When asked in a recent Stem4 survey over 28% of high school children said they suffered from anxiety from being in the school environment and did not attend.
Children are increasingly disengaged with the traditional school model, have a lack of confidence leading to them feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.
Dr Nihara Krause, the charity’s founder, urged schools, the NHS and ministers to increase support for anxious and distressed under-18s because “emotionally based school avoidance” is leading to pupils being off for long periods, disrupting their education and putting huge strain on families.
“Emotionally based school avoidance is a very worrying, growing phenomenon. It is different to school absence due to truancy. It is when a child or young person experiences extreme anxiety or distress relating to attending school. This fear can be so great that they avoid going to school.”
