Having your child refuse to go to school in the morning can be difficult for parents. But while school avoidance is frustrating, it’s common — and treatable.
This article is sponsored by UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
School avoidance can display in many ways. Your child may say they don’t feel well and can’t go to school. Or, they may simply refuse to go to school.
Avoiding school doesn’t mean your child is “acting out.” School avoidance can be a sign of an underlying pediatric behavioral health condition, such as anxiety.
Learn how to talk to your child about school fears. Knowing the signs of school anxiety in kids can help you decide when to seek help for school avoidance.
Need help now? UPMC Children’s Behavioral Health Walk-In Clinic sees kids and teens up to age 18, no appointment needed. Learn more →
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What Is School Avoidance?
School avoidance refers to a child regularly trying to avoid going to school. It’s also called school refusal, school phobia, or school reluctance.
Many children complain about school or try to avoid going. But school avoidance is deeper — it often means a child is trying to stay away from school.
How Common Is School Avoidance?
Exact data on school avoidance aren’t available. But the Kids Mental Health Foundation™ reports that up to 28% of children experience it at some point. It’s most common among kids making a transition to a new school, such as from elementary to middle school.
School Avoidance vs. Truancy: What's the Difference?
According to a 2023 article in The Journal of Family Practice, school avoidance isn’t the same as truancy. Truancy is linked to antisocial behaviors like stealing and lying. School avoidance isn’t.
School avoidance can be a sign of a mental health or neurodevelopmental condition.
Why School Avoidance Shouldn't Be IgnoredIt’s important to treat school avoidance to prevent possible complications like poor grades and dropping out.Read more: What can you do when your child refuses school? Learn about the signs, possible causes, and ways to support your child in UPMC HealthBeat’s guide to overcoming school avoidance → |
Where to Get Help for School Avoidance in Pittsburgh
If your child is still struggling with school avoidance, UPMC Children’s team is here to help. UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Behavioral Health Walk-In Clinic offers a welcoming and comfortable environment for children and adolescents up to age 18 who are dealing with a variety of mental health concerns.
