This guide is designed to support schools in understanding, identifying, preventing, and managing school refusal and avoidance behaviors among students. These issues are becoming increasingly prevalent, impacting a growing number of school-aged children each year. Such behaviors can occur at any age or grade level.
For some students, the prospect of going to school can trigger intense fear and stress, making it difficult for them to leave the safety and comfort of their home or preferred environment. These students are not just “skipping school”—they are stuck in patterns of distress, avoidance, or maladaptive coping, and require coordinated, compassionate, and strategic interventions. When schools understand the factors that are driving avoidance and respond with early identification, tiered supports, and strong family-school-community partnerships, attendance improves, and students regain confidence and stability.
Sections include:
