--- title: 'School Avoidance' url: 'https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance' markdown: 'https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance.md' date: '2025-04-21' description: "Why won't my child go to school? School can be a source of genuine worry and distress for many children, triggering anxieties that make attendance feel impossible rather than simply difficult. When emotional distress, rather than defiance or disinterest, is at the root of non-attendance, this is often referred to as Emotional-Based School Avoidance (EBSA). This collection of articles, films and podcasts helps adults recognize the signs of EBSA, understand what the child is experiencing, and implement supportive strategies that address the underlying anxieties and help children feel safer and more positive about school." --- # School Avoidance ### Filter by type: - [ Video ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance?type=Video) - [ Factsheet ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance?type=Factsheet) - [ Guide ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance?type=Guide) - [ Podcast ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance?type=Podcast) - [ Article ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance?type=Article) - [ Transcript ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance?type=Transcript) - [ All ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/01.school-avoidance/responding-to-school-anxiety-for-teachers/Emotionally-based-school-avoidance.webp) ### Video: Responding to School Anxiety for Teachers [Video: Responding to School Anxiety for Teachers](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/responding-to-school-anxiety-for-teachers) For many children, school can feel daunting and cause a range of anxieties which can sometimes be understood as Emotional-Based School Avoidance (EBSA).… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/01.school-avoidance/school-avoidance-guide/ebsa%20school%20anxiety.jpg) ### Guide: Guide to School Avoidance [Guide: Guide to School Avoidance](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/school-avoidance-guide) A road map through our content to help you understand why a child or pupil might be struggling to go to school. [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/my-adopted-child-is-struggling-with-school-anxiety/barriers-to-learning-22.jpg) ### Video: My adopted child is struggling with school anxiety [Video: My adopted child is struggling with school anxiety](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/my-adopted-child-is-struggling-with-school-anxiety) If you're a parent or carer of a looked-after child struggling with separation anxiety, you're not alone, and support is available. [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/06.ask-dr-bettina/school-based-anxiety/Anxiety.00_03_42_06.Still008.jpg) ### Video: School-based anxiety [Video: School-based anxiety](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/ask-dr-bettina/school-based-anxiety) We have a son who is anxious about school, and he is getting close to school refusal. How can we support him? [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/02.bullying/how-to-support-a-child-who-is-being-bullied-tips-for-parents/Spotting-if-a-child-is-being-bullied.jpg) ### Factsheet: How to support a child who is being bullied - Tips for parents [Factsheet: How to support a child who is being bullied - Tips for parents](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/bullying/how-to-support-a-child-who-is-being-bullied-tips-for-parents) Bullying can have a big impact on a child’s mental health, and might be in the form of physical violence, humiliation, verbal abuse, or leaving someone… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/05.mental-health/06.anxiety/school-anxiety-practical-strategies-for-parents/Anxiety.00_03_42_06.Still008.jpg) ### Factsheet: School Anxiety: Practical Strategies for Parents [Factsheet: School Anxiety: Practical Strategies for Parents](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/mental-health/anxiety/school-anxiety-practical-strategies-for-parents) Here are some suggestions for parents if children are struggling to go to school, feeling anxious in the lead-up to returning after holidays, or worried… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/04.school-life/strategies-to-support-childrens-wellbeing/home-learning.webp) ### Factsheet: Strategies to support children's wellbeing [Factsheet: Strategies to support children's wellbeing](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/school-life/strategies-to-support-childrens-wellbeing) This fact sheet was prepared during the COVID-19 pandemic however still provides many useful strategies for teachers to support children's mental health… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Life) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/04.neurodivergence/the-silent-cost-of-exclusion/tierblundell.webp) ### Podcast: The silent cost of exclusion [Podcast: The silent cost of exclusion](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/neurodivergence/the-silent-cost-of-exclusion) Research shows that children from marginalised groups, particularly those from black Caribbean backgrounds and those with neurodivergent profiles like… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ School Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Life) [ ADHD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:ADHD) [ Autism ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Autism) [ Neurodivergence ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Neurodivergence) [ Lived Experience ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Lived%20Experience) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/05.mental-health/06.anxiety/back-to-school-anxiety-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-help/back-to-school.webp) ### Article: Back to school anxiety – what to look for and how to help [Article: Back to school anxiety – what to look for and how to help](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/mental-health/anxiety/back-to-school-anxiety-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-help) Worried about back-to-school anxiety? Learn the signs to watch for, understand your child’s fears, and discover practical ways to support a smoother return… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/01.school-avoidance/supporting-pupils-with-emotionally-based-school-avoidance-ebsa/ebsa%20parents.jpg) ### Video: Supporting pupils with emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) [Video: Supporting pupils with emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/supporting-pupils-with-emotionally-based-school-avoidance-ebsa) Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is not a matter of defiance or poor behaviour, but a response to intense anxiety and emotional distress that… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/02.bullying/a-fathers-experience-with-school-bullying/bullied-child.webp) ### Article: A father’s experience with school bullying [Article: A father’s experience with school bullying](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/bullying/a-fathers-experience-with-school-bullying) Teacher and educationist, Alis Rocca looks at the impact of school bullying on children and young people and shares insights from our conversations with… [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Life) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/04.school-life/tips-for-teachers/bullying-at-school/some-children-dont-show-signs-of-bullying01.jpg) ### Video: Bullying at School [Video: Bullying at School](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/school-life/tips-for-teachers/bullying-at-school) This film provides practical strategies and expert guidance to help educators prevent, identify, and respond to bullying in schools. Drawing on evidence-based… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Life) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/03.toolkit/03.home-life/tips-for-parents/school-phobia-or-ebsa-tips-for-parents/back-to-school-stategies.jpg) ### Video: School Phobia or EBSA: Tips for Parents [Video: School Phobia or EBSA: Tips for Parents](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/toolkit/home-life/tips-for-parents/school-phobia-or-ebsa-tips-for-parents) We explore what school phobia and Emotionally-Based School Avoidance really mean and how to recognise why it may be happening. [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/01.school-avoidance/what-is-emotionally-based-school-avoidance/Emotionally-based-school-avoidance.webp) ### Article: What is Emotionally Based School Avoidance [Article: What is Emotionally Based School Avoidance](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/what-is-emotionally-based-school-avoidance) The current levels of absences suggest that school is a challenging environment for many children; rather than focusing on attendance for its own sake,… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/01.school-avoidance/school-phobia-and-what-to-do/school-anxiety.jpg) ### Factsheet: School Phobia and what to do [Factsheet: School Phobia and what to do](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/school-phobia-and-what-to-do) Emotionally based school avoidance, or EBSA, is a term which is often used to describe children who struggle to go to school because of their anxiety. [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/01.school-avoidance/sunday-anxiety/kids-sunday-blues.jpg) ### Article: Sunday Anxiety [Article: Sunday Anxiety](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/sunday-anxiety) Anxiety can look and feel different for each child, particularly if they have a pre-existing mental health or neurodevelopmental condition. [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/02.bullying/what-is-the-hidden-impact-of-verbal-abuse-on-children/how-verbal-abuse-impacts-kids.jpg) ### Podcast: What is the hidden impact of verbal abuse on children? [Podcast: What is the hidden impact of verbal abuse on children?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/bullying/what-is-the-hidden-impact-of-verbal-abuse-on-children) This episode covers verbal abuse, childhood, mental health, effective communication as parents and educationalists, brain development awareness, coaching,… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Verbal Abuse ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Verbal%20Abuse) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/01.school-avoidance/how-can-we-support-children-through-school-avoidance/school-anxiety.jpg) ### Podcast: How can we support children through school avoidance? [Podcast: How can we support children through school avoidance?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/how-can-we-support-children-through-school-avoidance) Dr Naomi Fisher explores emotionally-based school avoidance, offering psychological insights and practical strategies to help children return to school,… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Life) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/01.school-avoidance/supporting-children-struggling-with-emotionally-based-school-avoidance-ebsa/supporting-a-child-who-doesnt-want-to-go-to-school.jpg) ### Podcast: Supporting children struggling with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)? [Podcast: Supporting children struggling with Emotionally Based School Avoidance…](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/supporting-children-struggling-with-emotionally-based-school-avoidance-ebsa) Dr Naomi Fisher explores emotionally-based school avoidance, offering psychological insights and practical strategies to help children return to school,… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Life) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/01.school-avoidance/how-can-parents-support-children-who-struggle-with-going-to-school/child-learning.jpg) ### Podcast: How can parents support children who struggle with going to school? [Podcast: How can parents support children who struggle with going to school?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/how-can-parents-support-children-who-struggle-with-going-to-school) I speak to clinical psychologist Dr Naomi Fisher on supporting children through (EBSA), and how teachers and parents can meet the developmental needs of… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Life) [ EBSA ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:EBSA) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/02.bullying/bullying-tips-for-parents-and-carers/bullying-001sm.jpg) ### Video: Children and Bullying: Tips for Parents and Carers [Video: Children and Bullying: Tips for Parents and Carers](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/bullying/bullying-tips-for-parents-and-carers) Sian discusses how to create an environment which makes children feel able to disclose bullying to you, and how to keep them safe. Watch now to find out… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) [ ADHD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:ADHD) [ Environment ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Environment) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/02.bullying/help-for-parents-dealing-with-bullying/bullying-001sm.jpg) ### Transcript: Help for parents dealing with bullying [Transcript: Help for parents dealing with bullying](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/bullying/help-for-parents-dealing-with-bullying) Bullying can have a life-long impact on children, and so it's crucial that parents and carers recognise when their child is being bullied and know how… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) [ ADHD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:ADHD) [ Environment ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Environment) ![](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/user/pages/02.challenges/05.stigma-and-discrimination/stigma-and-discrimination/breaking-stigma-and-discrimintaion.jpg) ### Factsheet: Stigma and discrimination [Factsheet: Stigma and discrimination](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/stigma-and-discrimination/stigma-and-discrimination) Mental health-related stigma and discrimination happen when people treat someone unfairly or think less of them because the person has a mental health… [ School Avoidance ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Avoidance) [ Bullying ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Bullying) [ Anxiety ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Anxiety) [ School Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:School%20Life) [ Home Life ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Home%20Life) [ ADHD ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:ADHD) [ Stigma ](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/results/tag:Stigma) --- ## Navigation - Parent: [Challenges](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges.md) - Previous: [Environment](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/environment.md) - Next: [Stigma and discrimination](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/stigma-and-discrimination/stigma-and-discrimination.md) - Children: - [How can parents support children who struggle with going to school?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/how-can-parents-support-children-who-struggle-with-going-to-school.md) - [How can we support children through school avoidance?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/how-can-we-support-children-through-school-avoidance.md) - [Responding to School Anxiety for Teachers](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/responding-to-school-anxiety-for-teachers.md) - [Guide to School Avoidance](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/school-avoidance-guide.md) - [School Phobia and what to do](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/school-phobia-and-what-to-do.md) - [Sunday Anxiety](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/sunday-anxiety.md) - [Supporting children struggling with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)?](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/supporting-children-struggling-with-emotionally-based-school-avoidance-ebsa.md) - [Supporting pupils with emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/supporting-pupils-with-emotionally-based-school-avoidance-ebsa.md) - [What is Emotionally Based School Avoidance](https://nipinthebud.trilbyhost.com/challenges/school-avoidance/what-is-emotionally-based-school-avoidance.md)