Understanding Why Children Avoid School: Insights from a Recent Survey

A recent national survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, affiliated with Nationwide Children's Hospital, sheds light on the primary reasons children may avoid attending school. The survey involved over 1,000 parents across the United States and revealed that nearly 30% of parents whose children missed school due to fear or anxiety reported their children missed more than a week. Additionally, about 42% of students who missed school said they didn't feel physically well enough to attend, and 20% felt too exhausted. Experts emphasize that physical symptoms in children often have roots in mental health issues, such as anxiety. Kelley McChristy, a mother from Ohio, notes that when children complain of feeling unwell without a physical cause, anxiety could be a contributing factor.

School avoidance, also known as school refusal, is most prevalent among children aged 10-13 and those transitioning to new schools. Common reasons include social worries like bullying or difficulty fitting in, anxiety about tests or speaking in front of classmates, and undiagnosed learning disabilities that make school stressful. Dr. Ariana Hoet, clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, highlights that understanding and addressing these concerns early is crucial.

The foundation offers free, evidence-based resources designed to help parents recognize signs of school avoidance and support their children. Open communication about fears and feelings is vital, according to experts. Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety can inadvertently increase it, making professional therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), advisable if the issue persists. CBT can help children understand and manage their anxieties, thereby improving their confidence and attendance.

The survey was conducted online in July 2025 using a representative sample of U.S. parents, with a margin of error of approximately 3.2%. Resources and more information are available through KidsMentalHealthFoundation.org, encouraging proactive and informed approaches to children's mental health and school attendance.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-survey-reveals-kids-school.html