One of the most common problems we encounter with children these days when schools are opened is not wanting to go to school, not being able to leave their parents, when school hours approach; Complaints such as increased distress, crying, irritability, headache, nausea, loss of appetite.. It can be seen in the beginning of primary school such as 6-8 years old, as well as in the beginning of secondary school or high school, when school change is on the agenda. It can start after an accident, illness, surgery, the departure of a school friend, the illness or death of a relative, parental divorce, financial problems, domestic violence and the birth of a sibling. While these children are generally comfortable and peaceful at home, they are extremely anxious and restless at school. Complaints disappear, especially when the school is closed or when it is decided not to go to school.
The child tries to explain his/her own way of not going to school. He mostly attributes the condition to school-related reasons such as fear of exams, fear of teachers, and the presence of a friend who is not treating him well. Studies show that the parents of these children are also overprotective, caring, anxious and depressed, and do whatever their children want, cannot display clear attitudes, and do not create environments that allow children to individualize and provide confidence. It is observed that these families are often very interested in the physical health of their children and are pleased to have them in front of their eyes all the time.
Collaboration with parents and teachers is very important in handling such children. Children should not be punished or blamed for not wanting to go to school, all family members should show a clear attitude about the necessity of going to school, and encourage and support the child to school. The importance of school should be explained in language the child can understand.
A short farewell is sufficient, as long goodbyes before school will trigger a child’s long-term separation anxiety. The child’s participation in the classroom can be achieved gradually, but the child must come to school. A child psychiatrist should be consulted if the child severely refuses to attend school when school phobia manifests itself and the family’s efforts fail. When the treatment is delayed, the process may be prolonged and other psychiatric problems may be added to the situation.
Studies have shown that some of the children who showed school phobia in their childhood were diagnosed with social phobia in later ages. Since early intervention will minimize the social and academic negativities that children will experience due to this problem, families and teachers have important duties in this regard.
