School Refusal

Emotional Distress:

• Anxiety or Fear: Children may experience overwhelming feelings of anxiety about attending school. This could manifest as worry about schoolwork, bullying, or separation from parents.
• Frequent Complaints of Illness: Physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or nausea, especially in the morning before school, are common in children with school refusal. These symptoms typically subside when the child stays home.
• Panic Attacks: Severe cases of school refusal can include panic attacks or extreme distress when it’s time to leave for school.

Behavioural Symptoms:

• Tantrums or Meltdowns: Younger children may throw tantrums or have emotional outbursts, while older children may engage in arguments or defiant behaviour.
• Difficulty Leaving Parents: A child may cling to their parent or caregiver, showing extreme distress when it’s time to part in the morning.
• Avoidance: The child may avoid any school-related activities, including talking about school or getting ready for the day.

Physical Complaints:

• Complaints of Physical Illness: Headaches, stomachaches or feeling fatigued, particularly before school, are frequent complaints. These complaints tend to disappear once the child is at home or when school is avoided.
• Sleep Problems: Trouble falling asleep or nightmares about school may arise.

Social Withdrawal:

• Lack of Interest in Socialising: School refusal may be linked to a fear of social situations or a lack of friendships. A child might withdraw from activities or classmates, preferring solitude.
• Isolation from Peers: The child may express dislike or fear toward certain classmates, teachers, or social settings within the school.

Decline in Academic Performance:

• Avoiding Schoolwork: Children with school refusal often struggle to keep up with assignments or complete homework, which can result in a decline in academic performance.

Increased Absences:

• Frequent unexplained absences or being tardy to school are common in children with school refusal.