School Anxiety and Refusal: How can parents help?

School Anxiety and Refusal: How Can Parents Help?

Across the UK, increasing numbers of young people are struggling to attend school. For some families this looks like occasional reluctance, while for others it can become prolonged absence driven by anxiety, overwhelm or a feeling of disconnection from school life.

Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is not rebellion or laziness. Often it reflects a young person feeling unable to cope with the demands of school, whether that relates to anxiety, social pressures, bullying, academic expectations, or underlying neurodiversity. Many of these young people are capable and bright, yet the emotional load of school can feel too much.

For parents this can be incredibly difficulty. Families may find themselves caught between trying to encourage attendance, supporting their child’s anxiety, and working with schools to find a way forward.

In this session we will talk about why why school avoidance happens, why it is becoming more common, and what parents can do to support their teenager while working alongside schools. We’ll discuss practical ways to reduce pressure, rebuild confidence and connection, and help young people feel more able to engage with education again.