Why Your Child Refuses to Go to School

There is nothing more frustrating as a parent when you have a child who absolutely refuses to go to school. The child would rather fight with their parents and accept the consequences of poor attendance, including failing school altogether then go to school. Unfortunately, this is an all too common behavior and requires immediate attention and support by the parent and school officials.

According to a recent study by New York University, as many as 28% of school-aged children will refuse to attend school at one time or another. Gender is not biased in school refusal as both boys and girls exhibit the behavior. Usually the refusal behavior shows up during transition ages when children are entering new schools. The peak age is around the 10 to 13 years old for most students.

Two Categories of Children Who Refuse to Go to School

The children who refuse to go to school often fall into two categories. The first is the student who internalizes their emotions about school. They have social anxiety, isolation, depression, tiredness, and physical complaints such as stomachaches or headaches. The second is the child who externalizes their school problems. They will exhibit behavior such as tantrums, crying and screaming, verbal, or physical aggression as well as a defiant manners.

Reasons

A child who refuses to go to school is probably suffering from anxiety and depression. They are experiencing separation anxiety, panic disorders, social phobia, and adjustment disorder. Some students just fear school because of the experience of test-taking, fear of bathrooms, fear of teachers, or a fear of speaking in front of the class. Many students have a fear of bullying, peer pressures, or an overall fear for their safety while at school.

Many students who have an undiagnosed learning disability will also refuse to go to school as well. Those students feel they are not learning and find themselves frustrated and confused. The student will be embarrassed about not being able to keep up with the class and to learn in the traditional environment.

What to Look for

1. Verify if the school your child is in is the right one for them. Many times when a child is placed in the right school and experiences some success, the refusals to go to school will disappear.

2. Seek professional help when your child refuses to go to school. Many times a child who refuses to go to school is suffering emotional issues. A professional can help to diagnose and treat any emotional instability.

3. Have your child tested for any possible learning disabilities. A professional can help evaluate your child and give you the best possible learning techniques to help your child succeed.