School Refusal (and School Phobia)

School refusal is when a child refuses to go to school. This can happen for various reasons: the child may be having problems with anxiety (such as separation anxiety from parents) or may be actively trying to avoid some stress about school (experiencing problems with peers such as bullying or conflict or having a having a learning condition that makes schoolwork stressful). The usual first steps in dealing with school refusal include speaking with the school and/or taking the child to see his/her family physician or pediatrician for additional suggestions. More specialized help may include seeing a psychologist, counselor or other mental health professional.