School Refusal Workshop:
A team approach
Although there are some overlaps, school refusal behaviour is different to truancy. Truancy is when a child stays away from school so that they can go and do something else, something they find more exciting, and is often without parent or carer knowledge. School refusal behaviour on the other hand is more complex and often may involve other mental health factors such as anxiety, and more specifically social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder and depression. School refusal tends to be more common in children entering a new school venue for the first time (e.g. kindergarten or transitioning to high school) and young adolescents. A team approach, which includes community, school and parent/family-based strategies are discussed in this workshop, with an emphasis on collaboration and support.