School Refusal (School Phobia)
School refusal, also referred to as school phobia, is a condition in which a child does not want to attend or refuses to go to school due to intense anxiety. It is characterized by increased distress when school time approaches or during school opening periods, along with symptoms such as crying, irritability, insomnia, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. These children are typically calm and comfortable at home but become highly anxious and distressed at school.
School phobia can emerge at any stage of school life. However, its prevalence increases at certain ages and transition periods. It is more commonly observed at school entry ages (5–6 years) and around 11–12 years.
In early stages, this fear is usually rooted in separation anxiety. The child fears being separated from their parents, worries that something might happen to them while at school, and may believe they will not see them again.
In addition, experiences such as inability to attend school due to accidents, illness, or medical problems; illness or loss of a close family member; parental conflict; birth of a sibling; physical or emotional harm by a teacher; peer bullying; feelings of failure due to expectations beyond the child’s capacity; and school changes can trigger school refusal.
Recommendations for Families of Children with School Phobia
- Before school starts, the school should be introduced, and the child should meet the teacher and classmates.
- In the first days, the child should gradually stay at school without parents—first for one hour, then half a day, and eventually full day—to help reduce anxiety progressively.
- The child’s anxiety should be discussed with them, and support should be provided in coping with these feelings.
- It should be emphasized that all children may experience anxiety when starting school and that this anxiety decreases over time.
- A firm and consistent attitude should be maintained regarding school attendance, and the child should be encouraged to go to school even if reluctant.
- If the child’s anxiety is severe and school refusal persists, a child and adolescent psychiatrist should be consulted without delay.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist