School Avoidance

School avoidance is most common in children ages 5 to 11

Children may fake illness and make up excuses to avoid going to school

Other children simply refuse to go

Some children go to school but become anxious or develop various symptoms during the day

Children may avoid school because they have emotional problems, have trouble learning, or have difficulties with a teacher or other children

Work with the school to try to find out what's causing the problem

Sometimes a therapist is needed to understand the problem and help children return to school

Have emotional problems Overview of Mental Health Disorders Children and Adolescents Several important mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders, often start during childhood and adolescence. Some disorders, such as autism, start only... read more , such as stress, anxiety, or depression

Have learning difficulties Learning Disorders Learning disorders are problems with the brain’s ability to get, remember, or use information. These problems make it hard to focus and do well in school. Children with learning disorders often... read more and are embarrassed for people to see them do poorly

Feel unwanted or rejected by the other children

Are being bullied Bullying Bullying is hurting someone else through actions (like hitting someone or breaking their things) or words (teasing, harassing, or threatening). The bully may be bigger, stronger, or more popular... read more

Fear their teacher’s strictness or scolding

Identifying and fixing the problem

Keeping your child in school if at all possible—allowing children to stay home usually just makes school avoidance worse and risks them falling behind

Sometimes, going to a therapist