Navigating School Refusal
There can be various reasons why students refuse to go to school. Some may feel anxious, making it difficult for them to cope with the demands of school. Others may experience issues like bullying, social isolation, or academic challenges. This can lead to a lack of motivation and disengagement. Others may have a negative perception of school due to past negative experiences. Addressing these underlying issues and providing appropriate support and resources can help students overcome their reluctance to attend school and thrive academically and personally.
A helpful approach is to find a time when you are both calm to talk about their concerns and worries about school.
Some helpful questions to include in your conversation include:
- is something else bothering you?
- are you struggling with schoolwork?
- are you being bullied?
- are you having issues with the teachers?
Please encourage students to speak to their teacher or our school counsellors for support.
Resources that might help…
- Headspace – supporting a young person’s school-refusal
- Raisingchildren.net.au – School-refusal: Children and Teenagers
- Reachout.com – How to help a teen who doesn’t want to go to school
Leanne Camilleri
Wellbeing Coordinator
lcamilleri@unitycollege.sa.edu.au
