It can feel exhausting and overwhelming when your child is acting out and refusing to go to school. Many parents and even teachers might assume a student’s refusal to go to school stems from a behavioral problem such as laziness, rebelliousness, or a lack of motivation. But for some adolescents and teens, refusing to go to school can be a symptom of deeper, more complex mental health challenges, including anxiety disorder or depression.
Learn more about the differences between a reluctance to attend school and actual school avoidance–and how you can support your child.
School Avoidance: What It Is and What Ages It Affects
School avoidance, also known as school refusal, happens when an adolescent or teen consistently resists or refuses to go to school or routinely has problems staying in school. It’s accompanied by significant emotional distress due to deeper problems such as anxiety, depression or PTSD.
It can also be linked to bullying, academic stress, or big life transitions.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, it’s most often seen in ages 11-14, during the adjustment period for middle or high school. But it can affect all ages for a variety of reasons.
School avoidance affects at least 5% of students in the general population and as much as 16% of those receiving mental health treatment, according to a 2024 study. The five-year study notes figures are likely much higher due to non-standardized reporting from school districts, which typically doesn’t provide in-depth information about absences.
Symptoms of School Avoidance: Emotional, Physical and Behavioral
Symptoms of school avoidance can be emotional, physical or behavioral. Parents may notice issues worsening after breaks from school, such as weekends, holidays or illness, with the situation improving later in the day if their child is allowed to stay home.
Some common symptoms include:
- Intense anxiety: crying spells, tantrums and panic attacks
- Mood changes: withdrawing from favorite activities, becoming irritable
- Physical complaints: headaches, stomachaches, nausea, being unable to sleep
- Refusal: getting ready, finishing assignments or attending school on time
- Fear of social situations: public speaking, being judged by classmates
School Avoidance vs. Not Wanting to Go to School
Simply not wanting to go to school differs greatly from school avoidance.
The American Family Physician defines school avoidance as being accompanied by severe emotional symptoms and mental health issues. Adolescents and teens who are struggling with this often view being with their parents or at home as safe and comforting.
At its worst, not wanting to go to school can be defined as truancy, especially when accompanied by risky behaviors. Truant students often try to conceal their absences and aren’t interested in keeping up with academic expectations.
School Avoidance |
Truancy |
| Wants to attend school; unable to due to severe emotional distress | Choice to not attend; not anxious or fearful about attending school |
| Tries to persuade parents to stay home | Tries to hide not going to school |
| Lack of antisocial behavior | Disruptive or antisocial behavior, such as lying, stealing or being friends with the “wrong crowd” |
| Stays home during school hours | Not at home during school hours |
| Willing to do schoolwork at home | Not interested in schoolwork or other behavioral expectations |
Impacts of School Avoidance
Most states, including Tennessee, track attendance by chronic absenteeism, which is defined by missing 10% or more of school days.
According to the state’s most recent available data from the 2022-2023 school year, one in five Tennessee students was considered chronically absent. This reflects a broader national trend of growing absenteeism following the pandemic, which leads to learning gaps, lower test scores and puts students at a higher risk of dropping out of school.
Students who are chronically absent in ninth grade are 30% less likely to graduate on time, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.
How to Treat School Avoidance: Therapy, PHPs and IOPs
If your child is struggling with school avoidance due to mental health issues, getting support early makes a big difference. This can involve individual or family therapy, but two other options provide a higher level of support while building coping, communication and transition skills.
Partial hospitalization programs are ideal for those who are missing school due to symptoms, while intensive outpatient programs are a good fit for adolescents who need more intensive treatment than one-on-one therapy or haven’t seen symptoms improve with regular care.
A mental health provider like Embrace U can help you decide which program is right for your child.
Schedule a Free Mental Health Assessment Today with Embrace U
The right mental health support makes it possible for kids to recover from school avoidance. At Embrace U, we help adolescents and teens ages 10-18 in Brentwood, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Mt. Juliet develop the skills and confidence they need to manage mental illness and live happier, healthier lives.
Get your family on the path to healing and hope by scheduling a free assessment today.
