How can we recognise and properly support children who are struggling to attend school?
Understanding School Avoidance: Causes, Challenges, and Support
School avoidance – sometimes referred to as school ‘refusal’, which we’ll address further on – is a very complex and multifaceted issue where a child experiences intense difficulty attending school. Unlike truancy, which is characterised by intentional absence without parental knowledge, school avoidance usually involves a deep-rooted emotional struggle.
Children and adolescents experiencing school avoidance will very often show signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges that make the school environment overwhelming and completely inaccessible, opening up a whole new myriad of problems. From threats of fines to intrusive visits, criticism from staff and other services to actual punitive action taken, school avoidance is something that we are desperate to reframe, raise awareness of, change the public perception of and fundamentally ensure that the correct support systems are implemented for families and young people who feel trapped and isolated.
Why Some Children Struggle to Access School
The reasons behind school avoidance are varied, complex and often interconnected. Key factors include:
- Neurodivergence: Children with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, and/or neurodivergence such as autism and ADHD may find traditional school settings challenging, as we know so many of you will agree! Sensory sensitivities, difficulty with executive functioning, and the need for tailored educational approaches can make school a stressful experience. Coupled with so many families struggling to secure a suitable school placement and EHCP for their neurodivergent child, it comes as no surprise that this is very common factor in school avoidance. As our previous graphic states, 42.6% of children struggling with school avoidance are neurodivergent, compared with 7.1% being neurotypical!
- Bullying and Social Challenges: Negative social experiences, including bullying or conflicts with peers, can make school a hostile environment for children and create a poor ‘school climate’. The fear of encountering bullies or feeling isolated can lead to avoidance behaviours.
- Anxiety and Mental Health Issues: Children may fear separation from their parents, experience social anxiety, or feel overwhelmed by academic pressures. Other mental health issues, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, can also contribute to a child’s reluctance to attend school.
- Family and Home Environment: Family dynamics and home life can also influence school avoidance. Children may struggle with attending school due to family conflicts, health issues, or significant life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one.
Why is School Avoidance not the same as ‘refusal’?
We’re often asked this question a lot by our followers and supporters; what is the difference between avoidance and refusal, and is it just a case of semantics? In our opinion, absolutely not; these two terms are worlds apart in meaning, with ‘refusal’ being a loaded word implying a child is simply being ‘naughty’ and refusing to do as they’re told, and that a parent is not ‘being the parent’ – something that we know so many of you reading this will have been accused of. It is, fundamentally, gaslighting.
In addition, children struggling with school avoidance are NOT refusing; ‘refusal’ is reductionist and doesn’t even begin to address the fact that the child is reacting to a perceived danger. ‘Avoidance’ is a much more accurate and less stimgatising term, as it is a natural response to avoid danger during the ‘fight or flight’ response, hence why we use the term ‘school avoidance’ and not ‘school refusal’. We strongly encourage all parents and professionals to consider the language they use, too.
Raising Awareness and Support: School Avoidance Week 2024
Recognising the importance of addressing school avoidance, Sunshine Support is proud to introduce the upcoming launch of School Avoidance Week 2024. This awareness week proved to be highly popular in 2023, and is held exclusively on the Sunshine Academy platform. We aim to provide invaluable resources and support to families, educators, and professionals dealing with school avoidance, giving the tools to properly support young people in distress, showing you that there are other options, and improving the overall long-term outcome for all involved.
School Avoidance Week 2024 will feature daily webinars and resources from expert speakers in the fields of neurodivergence, anxiety, mental health, and education. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the latest research, strategies for support, and real-life experiences from those who have navigated school avoidance.
Highlights of School Avoidance Week
- Expert Webinars: Daily sessions led by professionals who specialise in neurodivergence, mental health, and education. These webinars will cover topics such as understanding anxiety in children, effective communication strategies, and creating supportive educational environments.
- Resource Materials: Access to a wealth of resources, including articles, guides, and toolkits designed to support children experiencing school avoidance and their families.
- Community Support: Engage with a community of parents, educators, and experts who share similar experiences and challenges. This supportive network aims to foster collaboration and provide mutual encouragement.
- Practical Strategies: Learn practical strategies to help children manage their anxiety, and find ways to access their education that their specific needs can manage.
Watch our founder Chrissa Wadlow discuss School Avoidance & the barriers to attending school:
Join Us for School Avoidance Week 2024!
We would love to invite everyone, whether parents or professionals, to participate in School Avoidance Week 2024. By coming together, we can raise awareness, share knowledge, and create a more understanding and supportive environment for children struggling with school avoidance. Let’s work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey! From the 23rd to the 27th of September, you can join our planned schedule of events by signing up.
