School refusal is when children do not want to go to school or refuse to go to school for various reasons. Psychological factors such as anxiety disorders, social phobia, depression, separation anxiety and bullying at school are among the main causes of this situation. In addition, problems within the family, low academic achievement, learning difficulties and problems in teacher-student relationships can also lead to school refusal.
Some children may experience a loss of self-confidence due to school failure or low grades, which may lead them to avoid going to school. In addition, the high expectations of perfectionist families and the pressure they put on children can also trigger school refusal behaviors. As a result, school refusal is a multifaceted problem and can occur as a result of the interaction of various factors in the child's individual, family and school environment.
At what age does school refusal occur?
School refusal can occur at any age, but may be more common in certain age groups. In the early years of primary school, school refusal may occur frequently due to children's anxiety about separation from their parents and difficulties in adapting to a new environment. In the middle school years, social anxieties, peer relationships and the emotional fluctuations of adolescence can trigger school refusal. In high school, exam anxiety, academic pressures and uncertainties about the future can lead to school refusal. However, since school refusal can occur for different reasons in each age group, it is important to apply appropriate solution methods at each age.
What are the Causes of School Refusal?
School refusal is a situation where children do not want to go to school or refuse to go to school for various reasons. The main reasons for this situation are as follows:
Anxiety Disorders: Even the thought of going to school can cause extreme anxiety and stress in children. Separation anxiety, social phobia and generalized anxiety disorders can contribute to this.
Depression: Depression in children can cause apathy and reluctance towards school. Symptoms of depression include sadness, hopelessness and lack of energy.
Bullying: Bullying at school or problems in peer relationships can lead to children not wanting to go to school.
Academic Difficulties: Low academic achievement, learning difficulties and feelings of failure in classes can cause children to develop negative feelings towards school.
Problems within the Family: Conflicts between parents, divorce, illness or death in the family can cause children to be emotionally affected and refuse to go to school.
High Expectations and Pressure: The pressure of academic achievement on children from perfectionist families can cause children to avoid going to school.
Health Problems: Physical health problems or chronic illnesses can prevent children from attending school regularly.
Teacher-Student Relationships: Negative experiences or poor relationships with teachers can lead to children not wanting to go to school.
These reasons can be interrelated and multiple factors can contribute to school refusal at the same time. Since each individual's situation is different, it is important to carefully consider these factors when determining effective solutions.
How should a child who develops school refusal be treated?
It is important to be sensitive and careful about how to treat a child who develops school refusal. Here are some effective methods that can be followed in this process:
Show Empathy and Understanding: Try to understand your child's feelings and do not minimize his/her concerns. Listen to him/her and let him/her express how he/she feels.
Communicate Openly: Have open and honest communication with your child. Discuss the reasons for not going to school and try to find solutions. Show that you take his/her feelings seriously and support him/her.
Be Positive and Supportive: Give your child positive feedback and recognize small successes. Be encouraging and motivating about going to school.
Establish Routines: Organize your child's daily routines. Organizing activities such as regular bedtimes, breakfast and getting ready for school can help your child get into the habit of going to school.
Seek Professional Help: If your child's school refusal is severe, consider seeking professional help from a child psychologist or psychiatrist. Experts can identify the emotional and psychological problems your child is experiencing and recommend appropriate treatment methods.
Cooperate with the School: Keep in touch with your child's teachers and school administrators. Get information about the problems your child faces at school and develop solutions together.
Provide Social Support: Support your child to develop social skills. Encourage participation in social activities to strengthen peer relationships.
Identify Problems and Find Solutions: Identify the specific issues causing your child's school refusal and take steps to address them. For example, if there is a bullying problem, try to resolve it in cooperation with the school administration.
Consider Alternative Solutions: If the traditional school environment is a major source of stress for your child, consider alternatives such as different educational models or homeschooling.
Be Patient and Determined: This process can take time. Be patient and allow your child to progress in small steps. Continue to support him/her with determination and consistency.
Being sensitive to your child's emotional and psychological needs during the school refusal process can make a big difference in helping them overcome this challenge.
