Caregiver guides

When a Teen Refuses School

Difficulty attending school may involve anxiety, bullying, learning needs, sleep, health, family change or the school environment. It should not be labelled as laziness without understanding the context.

For adult caregivers | Research draft | Not diagnostic

What caregivers can do first

  1. Check physical health and immediate safety
  2. Ask which time, place or demand feels hardest
  3. Coordinate a short-term, reviewable support plan with school and qualified professionals when needed

Risk signals

  • Bullying, abuse or fear of a specific person
  • Severe or worsening physical symptoms
  • Self-harm, suicide, violence or immediate danger