What do you do when your child is anxious about going to school? They might complain about physical discomfort or just avoid waking up. School anxiety or school phobia can lead to depression and isolation.
As a parent, you have every right to be worried when your child refuses to go to school. However, you should know that school phobia is not an uncommon condition.
With the proper support and strategies, your child can overcome the anxiety of going to school.
Your child’s education and social life are important. Does your child have a school phobia? How can you help them?
School Phobia Explained
According to school refusal fact sheet UK, it’s common for schoolchildren to feel worried about going to school during specific times. Exams seasons is an example. However, when there’s no obvious reason for school refusal, we deal with school phobia.
School refusal or phobia refers to children’s anxiety about going to school on a daily basis. What is school phobia in the UK? A specific fear or anxiety linked to the school environment.
You may have heard the term “emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)” that’s because the condition has emotional roots.
School phobia is not about a lack of interest in education. It’s about anxiety or fear over the environment.
School phobia can have various triggers. Common ones include:
- Bullying from peers or staff.
- Academic stress.
- Social anxiety.
A school child can experience one or more causes leading to school phobia.
According to the UK Department for Education (DfE) Reports on EBSA, there is a rising concern regarding EBSA. They recommend early identification and interventions. Parents and school staff should work together to support children.
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Students with specific educational needs (SEN) are more likely to be school refusers. With the help of teachers, school staff, and specialists, you can help them build coping strategies. To get more information and help, please visit Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). |
School Phobia vs. Truancy
Truancy is when children skip school for no valid reason. Truancy involves a lack of motivation. At the same time, school anxiety has emotional reasons. A student with school anxiety can actually be motivated toward education.
Help Your Kid Stay On Track
Identifying the reasons behind school refusal is not always easy. Expert help is always helpful, especially When it comes to your child’s education.
Ostado is here for you. We provide targeted support to help pupils around the UK be their best. Whether your child needs a confidence boost or personalised lessons on challenging subjects, Ostado can help.
We have programs for all age groups, from KS3 tutoring to the A-levels.
To help you decide the best options for you, we offer free trials.
Identifying School Anxiety in Your Child
According to Dr. Christopher Kearney, most children find it difficult to talk about their feelings. But their actions reveal a lot about their struggles.
A school child with school phobia is often withdrawn. They also tend to avoid talking about school or related issues. Below are the common signs of children with school phobia:
- Difficulty walking up
- Difficulty going to sleep
- Avoiding to get ready for school
- Complaining of physical discomforts (headaches, stomachaches)
- Behaviour changes (clingy, mood swings, more irritable, isolated)
- Neglecting homework
- Sudden outbursts of emotion
How to Support Your Child?
Exploring the causes of school phobia is a helpful step. Here is our expert guidance:
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Have Open Conversations with Your Child
Create a safe place for your child to feel comfortable expressing their feelings. Don’t be judgmental or argumentative. Learn to validate your kid’s emotions. If they feel sad, assure them that it’s okay. Most importantly, listen to your child.
2. Work Closely with Your Child’s School
It is important to work with school staff to support your child in overcoming school anxiety. Have open conversations with teachers and the school’s Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (SENDCo). It’s also a good idea to speak with staff responsible for school attendance.
3. Be Patient and Empathetic
Don’t pressure your child to “get over” the issue. You can’t force them to go to school; this would only cause more damage and anxiety.
It takes time for school refusers to overcome school anxiety. Avoid comparing your child to those who attend school daily.
4. Establish a Morning Routine
Consistency helps ease stress. Predictability and security can lead to reduced anxiety.
Find a structure that helps your child reduce anxiety. Visual aids are great tools. You can use countdown schedules and pictures.
5. Encourage Engagement in Your Child’s Interests
What are your child’s interests? Find them and let your child explore what they enjoy. Don’t force your child to pursue what you think is best. This way, you are helping your kid with their self-esteem while reducing anxiety.
Encourage the small steps and effort along the way. Remember, consistency is more important than achievements.
6. Develop Coping Strategies
Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or visualisation exercises to manage anxiety.
This YouTube video has valuable tips and guidance on coping skills for kids with anxiety.
7. Explore School Alternatives
Home tutoring and virtual classrooms are great options. Especially when you are worried about your kid’s education. You can work through your child’s anxiety without further presure about grades.
8. Consider Mental Health Support
Visit your school’s General Medical Council for additional support. They can refer you to a specialised therapist to help your child. They can help your child navigate their anxiety and develop coping strategies.
You can also access the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). They provide expert care for young people to overcome mental and emotional difficulties.
Returning to School After an Absence
Returning to school can be somewhat weird for children. As a parent, you must help your child ease the process. Consider working with the school to build up your child’s confidence.
Encourage the small steps; you don’t need to push your child. Visiting the school building and spending a short period in the classroom is an excellent start for a child with School Refusal Syndrome.
Help your child adjust to going back to school. Inform teachers about your child’s anxiety. You can also consider a Special Educational Needs Coordinator. They can help you create and adjust a plan for returning to school.
School Phobia FAQ
- What medication is used for school phobia?In most cases, you don’t need medication for school phobia. In some cases, doctors prescribe antidepressants. Even with medication, behavioural therapy and psychological interventions are more helpful.
- Does ADHD cause school avoidance?ADHD does not cause school phobia on its own. Social interactions and concentration difficulties in ADHD children can lead to school anxiety. To help your child cope, work closely with school staff and a specialist.
- Can CAMHS help with school refusal?Yes. Mental health services such as CAMHS help with anxiety-related absences at school. They provide support for students to cope with school anxiety, depression, and phobia. They also offer therapies tailored to your child’s situation.
- What is the best management for school phobia?There is no single best method for everyone. Generally, a combination of therapy and gradual exposure is used. What matters more is early identification and intervention. Every child is different. You should find what works best for you.