Most children like going to school, making new friends, and learning. But what if your youngster refuses to attend school? Here are some facts about school refusal that parents should be aware of.
School refusal affects around 1% of all students in primary and secondary school.
In this article, you’ll read:
• What exactly is school refusal?
• Signs, symptoms, and more information about school refusal
What exactly is school refusal?
School refusal refers to a consistent unwillingness to attend school or issues staying at school. For a variety of reasons, children may avoid school in order to cope with stress or fear.
School rejection can indicate that children have difficulty getting to or leaving school, and as a result, they may not attend school at all. Children with this condition refuse to attend school, despite their parents’ best efforts.
This is not a type of psychiatric diagnosis. It’s an emotional issue.
Here are some signs that your child has school refusal:
1) Children frequently cry, tantrum, or scream.
2) Refuse to move or prepare for school
3) Go into hiding or lock themselves in their room.
4) Beg or plead not to attend school.
5) Requests to stay at home due to aches, discomfort, and illness.
6) Have difficulty sleeping.
7) Threatening to harm oneself.
There are numerous reasons for school refusal. It could be anxiety or concerns about leaving the house, a phobia, a learning difficulty, social challenges, or depression.
Bullying can be defined as the use of force, compulsion, harsh teasing, or threat to abuse, aggressively dominate, or intimidate another person.
It can occur gradually or abruptly as a result of:
- Teasing or bullying.
- Stressful situations at home, school, or with friends.
- Conflicts inside the family or among peers.
- An abrupt change in surroundings.
- Difficulties with teachers.
- Academic difficulties.
Here are some of the effects of school refusal
1. Poor academic progress
Chronically absent students may also result in low academic performance and suspensions since they do not receive teaching on a consistent basis.
2. A lack of confidence
By staying at home, your child may develop a lack of confidence as a result of not socialising with others. This can lead to more serious issues such as social anxiety or depression.
3. Delays in maturation
This can also cause maturity delays because they have limitations on what they can learn, unlike when kids are socialising with other people outside of the home. They can go on numerous adventures through outdoor learning.
When they are not in school, your child may be able to:
- Avoid away from dangerous things (exams, teachers, bullies).
- Feel secure in your own home.
- Stay away from social events with peers and teachers.
What you can do to help your child’s situation?
Discuss school with your child.
Determine whether your child is having a problem with peers or teachers, or whether they are attempting to dodge something. And they will eventually open up to you as they realize you understand how they truly feel.
Ask as to what troubles them.
Find a time when you both seem calm, and then ask your child about their school problems and fears. If these concerns are identified, they can be addressed. It can sometimes be beneficial to ask direct questions:
- Are you getting bullied?
- Are you having difficulty with your schoolwork?
- Do you have any problems with the teachers?
- Is there anything else bothering you?
These are some simple remedies for your children’s situation:
1) Inform your child that you will be working with their school to assist them in getting to school.
2) They frequently discuss their day.
3) Discuss with your child the possibility of seeing a psychologist if they feel they are unable to control their worries and fears.
4) Do not force them and learn more about their situation.
5) Assist them in gaining confidence and remind them that education can aid them in life.
How can school refusal be treated with?
School refusal treatment comprises a variety of psychological treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy and systematic desensitisation. Therapy by exposure. And what exactly are operant behavioural techniques?
Cognitive behaviour therapy, often known as behaviour therapy, aims to correct your child’s maladaptive and improper behaviour.
Systematic desensitisation: The child is gradually helped to adjust their emotionally distressing reaction to school so that the child can eventually return to school without fear.
Exposure therapy: This strategy may benefit your child by progressively increasing the intensity and duration of emotionally distressing events. This may eventually improve maladaptive and incorrect cognitions, allowing the child to handle the distressing experience.
Rewards for desired behaviour are used in operant behavioural strategies to increase their frequency.
Also read: Gender Dysphoria in Kids: The Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More
