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Why kids refuse to go to school, and how to help them feel ready to return

Experts say school refusal can stem from anxiety, bullying and learning challenges, and up to 28% of students experience it during their school years.

  • Up to 28% of students struggle with school refusal at some point during their school years, experts say. The condition is most common at ages 5 to 6 and 10 to 11, according to Andrew Kahn, Psy., Understood's associate director of expertise and behavioral health innovation.
  • School refusal often stems from overwhelming anxiety, academic challenges, or bullying. For some children, the environment can feel like a "minefield," Kahn says, causing fear that manifests as physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
  • Warning signs often appear before outright refusal, including tantrums or avoiding the bus. "Oftentimes, a child will exhibit anger, sadness, frustration, or anxiety," Kahn explained, emphasizing that stress impacts the entire family.
  • Parents should acknowledge feelings while maintaining the requirement to attend school. "I know there's something about school that worries you," you can say, offering to talk later to help your child find a way to return.
  • Families should consult teachers to discuss potential accommodations for anxiety when refusal persists. If quick fixes fail, developing a longer-term strategy remains the most effective way to help the child thrive despite these difficulties.
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Why kids refuse to go to school, and how to help them feel ready to return

Understood reports that up to 28% of kids experience school refusal due to anxiety, social challenges, or personal issues; strategies can help them return.

·Pampa, United States
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thepampanews.com broke the news in Pampa, United States on Friday, August 21, 2026.
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