School refusal is on the rise

Professor Penny Van Bergen, professor of educational psychology and head of the school of education at the University of Wollongong, says recent reports show a rise in school refusal across the Illawarra and nationwide.

School refusal is not the same as truancy, which is when a child skips school to hang out with friends or do different activities. School refusal is an issue where a child or adolescent is specifically worried or anxious about going to school.

Although the reasoning behind individual cases may vary, Penny says research before and after the pandemic suggests that there has been a rise in school refusal since the lockdowns. The pandemic has affected the mental health of our youth, with an increase in health and social anxiety and issues with falling behind on learning. Penny also identifies the numerous natural disasters that we’ve faced, including the recent flooding, as well as bullying and family troubles, as contributing factors to school refusal.

There are warning signs for parents and caregivers that school refusal may be on the horizon.

Penny says, “Problems may emerge slowly and you may see your child withdraw, complain of illness without symptoms, report bullying or you may simply get a feeling that something isn’t right.”

If parents notice any of these warning signs and children begin to refuse to go to school, there are strategies that may help combat school refusal. “Being supportive and gentle, but being firm in maintaining the importance of school is key,” Penny says.

Parents can find out more about the problem if they listen to their child, “acknowledge their concerns and let them know that you hear them”, she says.

Most importantly, Penny stresses that families should be gentle on themselves, as school refusal can be a huge stressor that has a flow-on impact on the home and work. Looping your boss into what is going on at home can help to relieve some of that stress.

Penny recommends sharing your child’s struggles with the school principal and teachers as the first port of call. She says schools are well equipped to deal with this situation with school counsellors and psychologists who can help with tips, as it is a common problem. She then advises that if you feel you’re not getting the right knowledge or resources, to speak to your local GP to find the best approach for the whole family.