No parent or caregiver ever wants their child to experience it, but school refusal is an increasingly pressing problem in Australia. The Australian Government estimates that the prevalence of school refusal is between 1-5%, of all students, and that the rates are much higher in students with autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Therefore, school refusal is more common than we would like it to be, and we should understand the correct methods of treating school refusal if your young person starts to exhibit the signs.
Thankfully, with a school refusal treatment plan, we’re able to offer support and guidance for young people who are disengaging from school. Here, Anglicare Victoria explain school refusal treatment plans and some effective strategies for approaching the issue.
Be curious – not reproachful
As a parent or carer, it’s important that you remain open-minded and curious about your child’s school refusal. Refusing to go to school is most often a symptom of deeper problems, including:
- Bullying
- Peer conflict
- Anxiety or stress
- Learning difficulties
- Moving homes
- Family issues
- Lack of confidence in the classroom
School refusal treatment plans are always based on open communication with the student. The aim is to gain an understanding about why they’re refusing to go to school, and to address the cause, rather than simply force the child to go to school.
Notify the school
When treating school refusal, the school itself can be of significant help. Notifying your child’s school about their refusal to attend is the next step. Schools offer services such as counselling or pastoral support, which can help immensely when trying to understand your child’s refusal of school attendance. In some cases, parents and caregivers may like to arrange a meeting with a teacher whom your child particularly likes or respects.
Talking with Anglicare Victoria
Personal issues experienced by young people can have a huge impact on their ability, or willingness, to perform at school. By addressing the range of possible issues going on in their life, our Meridian program seeks to improve the willingness of young people to attend school and engage. The Meridian Youth and Family Therapy program addresses personal issues such as bullying, peer conflict, anxiety, depression, family issues and more.
Planning the return to school
A school refusal plan should pave the way for a return to school. Strategies for returning to school include:
- Devising a morning routine that is predictable and functional.
- Organising for a friend to meet them at the school gate.
- Planning for their teacher to make them feel settled in a quiet place at the start of the day.
- Positively reinforcing the child when they make progress in school attendance.
- Link children and families with support services like Anglicare Victoria, Lifeline and Kids Helpline.
Anglicare Victoria’s Meridian Youth and Family Therapy program helps traumatised children every day. The Meridian program strengthens relationships and improves family functioning while also focusing on the evolving needs of the young person. Many of the families referred to the Meridian program want to find solutions to their problems and we know that each person in the family is impacted differently when there are worries, problems or conflict and communication difficulties. Contact Anglicare Victoria to learn more about how we can assist you.
