School anxiety and school refusal

In short: School anxiety is a strong, persistent fear of school or certain situations there, which can lead to complete school refusal. It is a serious signal, not simply “laziness”.

In more detail: Experts distinguish school anxiety from separation anxiety, where the fear relates more to leaving a caregiver.

In detail

• Possible causes: Bullying, performance pressure, social anxiety or family strain.
• Physical symptoms: Stomach ache, nausea or headaches, especially before school days.
• Difference from truancy: School refusal often comes with strong inner distress, not mere lack of interest.
• Early action: The longer avoidance continues, the harder re-entry becomes.
• Cooperation: School, parents and, where applicable, school psychologists should coordinate closely.
• Gradual return: A careful, step-by-step return is often more successful than immediate full-time attendance.
• Professional help: For persistent problems, child and adolescent psychiatric support makes sense (schulsozialarbeit-und-beratungslehrer).