On this page you will find some information about supporting your child to attend school, and ways you and other can help. There are links to more information and useful resources at the bottom of the page.
Frequently asked questions: Emotionally based school avoidance
Will my child get a bad reputation at school if they don’t attend?
Our understanding of why young people don’t attend school has improved over the years. Schools no longer view non-attendance as ‘bad behaviour’. They understand that there are many reasons why young people struggle to get into school. Having a proper understanding of these reasons is essential for supporting them to return. For this reason, we don’t talk about ‘school refusal’ anymore. We talk about ‘emotionally based school avoidance’ (EBSA) instead.
What’s the difference between emotionally based school avoidance and truanting?
Truanting is not usually caused by fears or anxieties about school. When young people truant, they choose to miss certain lessons or days without their parents or carers knowing. In contrast, young people experiencing EBSA have anxieties about attending school, which can prevent them from going at all. Parents and carers of young people experiencing EBSA are usually very aware of their child’s struggle with school attendance.
Why does my child struggle to attend school?
Research has identified four main reasons why young people avoid school:
- To avoid situations that provoke low mood or high levels of anxiety.
- To escape difficult social situations.
- To reduce anxious feelings about separating from a parent or carer.
- To access rewarding experiences at home (Kearney, 2007).
My child started off missing the odd lesson and now I can’t get them to go to school at all. Why is this?
Anxiety is the cause of most EBSA. Young people can find themselves in a cycle of fear of school that they need support to break. While anxiety is a normal part of being human, very high levels can lead to avoiding places and situations that cause anxious feelings. The longer young people stay off school, the worse their anxiety about returning becomes, making it harder for them to go back.
How can the school help my child?
Relationships between your child and the school are key to supporting them to attend. Even if your child is not going regularly, schools will ensure regular and positive communication between home and school to keep the relationship going. Schools will work with you to develop a joint action plan with manageable targets to support your child to get back to school. This plan will include you as the parent/carer, teachers, and possibly other professionals. It is important your child sees that all the adults around them are on the same page.
How can I help my child?
It’s crucial to reach out to your child’s school as soon as possible if you are worried about their attendance. Make time to listen to your child to understand their feelings about school and what might help them. Be aware that returning to school will be a gradual process requiring time and patience. The website below contains useful strategies for helping your child deal with anxiety.
Useful links and resources to support you and your child with emotionally based school avoidance
Information about EBSA, anxiety and coping strategies
EdPsychEd: EBSA, Key points every parent should know
Somerset Council Parent/Carer EBSA guidance
Information about sleep and sleep supports
Information about self care for parents
Anna Freud Foundation: Self care for parents and carers
Information about self care for children and young people
Anna Freud Foundation: Self care for children and young people
Renfrewshire Supports for parents and carers
Ren10 home page where you can make self-referrals for further support
