It’s normal for children and young people to feel worried about something that’s happening at school – for example, when starting a new school or during exams. Sometimes, however, school can become challenging, stressful or distressing over a much longer period of time.

If your child is feeling anxious about school, or not able to go, it can be exhausting for both of you. Mornings in particular can become really stressful for the whole family, as you try to juggle your child’s feelings alongside the need to get them to school and get on with your other responsibilities such as work. Even if you manage to get your child to the school gate, you might know how difficult they’re going to find the day – or know that you’ll be facing the same problem tomorrow morning.

When anxiety builds up to the point that a young person cannot go to school, this is often called ‘school refusal’ – and you might hear the school or other professionals using this term. However, many young people and parents do not like this term because it implies that ‘refusing’ school is a choice, and you may prefer to use terms such as emotionally-based school avoidance (ESBA) or anxiety-related absence.

Services and supports for young people:

Jigsaw

Mental health advice and support – online and in person – for young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and for parents or concerned adults.

Visit jigsaw.ie/livechat to chat online with a clinician

Find Jigsaw services in your area - jigsaw.ie

Childline

Ireland's 24-hour listening service for young people up to the age of 18. Childline is a service from the ISPCC.

Freephone 1800 666 666, any time

Text 50101 any time

Chat online at childline.ie any time.

BeLonG To Youth Services

Support, information and groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland, their parents and carers, and other professionals.

belongto.org

spunout

spunout is Ireland’s youth information website created by young people, for young people. Articles and information for young people on many topics, including mental health.

Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to chat with a trained volunteer, any time.

spunout.ie

Barnardos

Services for children, families and communities, to transform the lives of vulnerable children affected by adverse childhood experiences. Barnardos also provide a Children's Bereavement Service.

Freephone 1800 910 123, Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm

barnardos.ie

CARI

Therapy for children and young people who have been affected by child sexual abuse. CARI also provide information, support and counselling to non-abusing parents, carers and siblings.

Phone 0818 924567, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

hello@cari.ie

cari.ie