School Avoidance Emerges as a Major Mental Health Concern

Many Americans often stigmatize children who miss school, labeling it as truancy or simply cutting class. However, the School Avoidance Alliance argues that chronic absenteeism may signify a more profound problem, where anxiety and mental health issues compel students to stay home. “School avoidance is when a child experiences severe discomfort and distress about going to school.

It’s not the typical ‘I don’t feel well’ excuse; it’s a severe and distressing situation for both the child and the parent,” explains Jayne Demsky, the founder of the School Avoidance Alliance, in an interview with Fox News Digital. She further elaborates that children exhibiting school avoidance might hide under the covers, cry, throw tantrums, or even attempt to hide in closets.

To them, the prospect of attending school feels akin to being brought to a torture chamber. Demsky’s journey into researching this topic began almost a decade ago when her own son refused to attend 6th grade due to unmanageable anxiety. In response, she established the School Avoidance Alliance in 2020, dedicating herself to assisting families dealing with this issue. 

“School avoidance is often misunderstood,” Demsky remarks. She notes that it’s easy for society to blame parents for not getting their children to school, but there is usually a specific reason behind it, often rooted in mental health issues that may co-occur with learning problems. Demsky distinguishes truancy from school avoidance, emphasizing that truancy involves students skipping school for pleasurable activities without their parents’ knowledge, whereas school avoidance centers on students deliberately avoiding school due to the negative emotions it triggers. 

“It’s essential to recognize that many children are dealing with depression and anxiety disorders. The challenge lies in the lack of access to mental health professionals, leaving schools to fill the gap,” she adds. Demsky challenges the perception that children with school avoidance are “soft” and rejects the idea that it’s merely old-fashioned skipping. She believes that schools struggle to address this issue because it has been off their radar for so long. Consequently, they often resort to punitive measures, which can be counterproductive for children and families in crisis. 

The School Avoidance Alliance collaborates with various stakeholders, including child study teams, teachers, school administrators, mental health organizations, attendance directors, and attendance officers across the United States, aiming to raise awareness and find solutions to this pressing issue. Research on the topic remains challenging, but Demsky cites estimates ranging from 1% to 7% of children nationwide suffering from school avoidance. 

Demsky believes that the COVID-19 pandemic, with its school shutdowns and subsequent polarization of parents, shed light on this significant cultural issue. She observes that during the pandemic, some children who were on the verge of experiencing anxiety or other issues found relief in being away from the pressures of school and spending more time with their families. This has prompted a reevaluation of the education system and the role of schools. 

The Department of Education reported the largest decline in average reading scores in 30 years following the pandemic. As students returned to classrooms, education experts warned that many were unprepared, with some lagging behind their grade levels and facing severe behavioral challenges. According to Demsky, parents can distinguish school avoidance from typical excuses for missing school.

While occasional complaints about not feeling well are common, school avoidance manifests as consecutive days of struggling to attend or missing school altogether. “It’s crucial for parents to get involved and communicate with their schools as soon as they notice these signs. Early intervention is key,” she emphasizes. 

School avoidance is a complex issue driven by anxiety and mental health challenges. The School Avoidance Alliance, led by Jayne Demsky, is working tirelessly to raise awareness, offer support, and change the way schools and society perceive and address this critical concern. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, it’s essential to acknowledge and prioritize the mental well-being of our students. 

News Reference  

Fox News, “School Avoidance Alliance founder says cutting class isn’t always truancy, mental health issues could be cause” School Avoidance Alliance founder says cutting class isn’t always truancy, mental health issues could be cause | Fox News.