It’s back-to-school season across Australia, and for many kids, that means the excitement of seeing friends, meeting new teachers, and settling into routines. But for some children, the thought of returning to school isn’t just a little nerve-wracking—it’s overwhelming.
As parents, it can be difficult to understand whether your child is simply reluctant to go to school or if they are experiencing something deeper, like school refusal. Understanding the difference is the first step in providing the right support.
The School Attendance Landscape
Recent figures show that school attendance rates in Australia have been declining post-COVID. In 2024, the attendance rate for Years 1–10 was 88.3%, slightly down from 88.6% in 2023. More concerning is that only 59.8% of students attended school more than 90% of the time, compared to 73.1% in 2019 (Leslie et al., 2025).
The reasons behind these numbers are complex, but school refusal is an increasing issue. A 2023 Senate inquiry found that family requests for support from advocacy groups like School Can’t Australia have nearly doubled each year since 2014. A separate survey of 1,000 families found that 39% had a child who was unable to attend school due to anxiety or stress (Leslie et al., 2025).
Research has also linked school refusal with conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (Heyne et al., 2019). A study by Kearney and Albano (2004) suggests that nearly 5% of school-aged children experience school refusal at some point, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to intervention.
Understanding School Reluctance
Most kids, at some point, will say they don’t want to go to school. Maybe there’s a big test, a social conflict, or an upcoming sports event that makes them anxious. This is what we call school reluctance—a temporary hesitation that usually resolves once the stressor is gone.
Signs of school reluctance include:
- Complaining of mild physical ailments (headache, stomachache) before school.
- Clinginess or hesitation when it’s time to leave.
- Expressing specific worries about an event or activity.
For these children, reassuring them, maintaining a predictable morning routine, and celebrating small wins (like making it through a tough day) can help boost confidence.
When It’s More Than Reluctance
For some children, the struggle to attend school isn’t just about a specific worry—it’s about deep emotional distress that makes school feel impossible. This is often labeled as school refusal, but many families and researchers prefer the term “school can’t” to reflect that these children are not simply choosing to stay home.
Signs of school refusal include:
- Frequent visits to the school office or sick bay.
- Extreme difficulty completing basic morning routines.
- Physical symptoms like nausea and dizziness that worsen on school days.
- Persistent absences, even with encouragement.
- Intense emotional reactions (crying, anger, withdrawal) at the mention of school.
Children who experience school refusal are often neurodiverse, gender-diverse, or dealing with anxiety disorders (Leslie et al., 2025). For these children, staying home is not about avoiding schoolwork—it’s often a survival mechanism to cope with extreme stress. Research by Egger, Costello, and Angold (2003) found that children experiencing school refusal are also at higher risk for long-term academic and social difficulties if interventions are not provided early.
How to Support Your Child
If your child is struggling with school attendance, they need your understanding and advocacy. Here’s how you can help:
- Listen and Validate – Let your child know their feelings are heard. Saying, “I see that school is really hard for you right now,” can help them feel understood.
- Seek Professional Help – A psychologist can work with your child to uncover and address underlying issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in helping children with school refusal (Heyne & Rollings, 2002).
- Collaborate with the School – Work with teachers to explore options like flexible schedules, sensory breaks, or alternative learning arrangements.
- Think Outside the Box – If traditional school isn’t working, consider alternative education pathways that may better suit your child’s needs, such as home-schooling or virtual learning programs (Havik, Bru, & Ertesvåg, 2015).
- Connect with Other Families – You’re not alone. Support groups, both online and in person, can provide advice and reassurance from parents who have been in your shoes.
Moving Forward
If your child is struggling with school, remember: you’re not failing as a parent, and they’re not failing as a student. Every child’s journey is unique, and with the right support, they can find a path that works for them.
For further resources and support, groups like School Can’t Australia provide valuable information for families navigating these challenges.
If this topic has raised concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800.
References
Egger, H. L., Costello, E. J., & Angold, A. (2003). School refusal and psychiatric disorders: A community study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(7), 797-807.
Havik, T., Bru, E., & Ertesvåg, S. K. (2015). School factors associated with school refusal- and truancy-related reasons for school non-attendance. Social Psychology of Education, 18(2), 221-240.
Heyne, D., & Rollings, S. (2002). School refusal. Behavior Change, 19(3), 133-150.
Heyne, D., King, N. J., Tonge, B. J., & Cooper, H. (2019). School refusal: Epidemiology and management. Paediatrics & Child Health, 24(7), 471-477.
Kearney, C. A., & Albano, A. M. (2004). The functional profiles of school refusal behavior: Diagnostic aspects. Behavior Modification, 28(1), 147-161.
Leslie, R., Brömdal, A., Townley, C., & Oberg, G. (2025). Is it school reluctance or refusal? How to tell the difference and help your child. The Conversation. Retrieved from [original source link].
Written by: CL Hub Team.