School Avoidance
“I don’t want to go to school.”
It’s a phrase nearly every parent has heard at some point. Occasional complaints about school are normal—every teen resists now and then. But when a teenager refuses to attend school consistently, day after day, something more serious may be happening.
School refusal driven by distress or anxiety is different from truancy or simply “playing hooky.” These teens aren’t trying to skip school for fun—they’re struggling. They might fear bullying or school violence, feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, or experience deep anxiety around social situations. In many cases, school refusal is a symptom of an underlying emotional or psychological issue.
Common Reasons Teens Refuse School:
What Parents Can Do:
When school refusal becomes a pattern, it’s essential for parents to take a step back and do a mental health “temperature check.” Look for other signs that your teen may be struggling—changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or behavior—and approach the situation with compassion rather than punishment.
Instead of focusing on how to force your teen back to school, focus on understanding why they’re avoiding it. Helping them feel heard, safe, and supported is the first step toward addressing the deeper issues and building a path back to school success.
How Therapy Can Help:
At OCD & Anxiety of The Woodlands, we specialize in helping teens who are experiencing school-related anxiety, avoidance, and emotional distress. Through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and supportive parent guidance, we work to identify the root causes of school refusal and build a plan for long-term recovery.
Together, we can help your teen:
- Understand and manage their anxiety
- Develop healthy coping skills
- Rebuild confidence and resilience
- Create a gradual, supportive plan to return to school
Your child doesn’t have to face this alone—and neither do you. We’re here to help.
