School Attendance & Refusal

Being the parent or carer of a teenager who refuses to go to school can be incredibly challenging.

Below you will find information about school refusal, including its signs, causes and implications, as well as resources and strategies for managing it.

School refusal and teenagers - ReachOut ParentsSchool refusal is a difficult experience to go through for the whole family. Learn more about school refusal here, including what to look out for and strategies for how to manage it.

School refusal: children and teenagers

School Attendance is Compulsory

Compulsory School Attendance – Information for parentsDepartment of Education

Understanding school refusal | headspace The idea of going to school can cause severe distress for some young people and can result in a reluctance to go to school or non-attendance. Learn all about school refusal.

Support for Parents

What support is available to parents?Resources to help parents care and support their child to promote positive learning outcomes.

ParentLine (1300 1300 52)

Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in NSW.

Parent Line receives calls from parents, carers and professionals who have questions or concerns about a child or young person. Parent Line counsellors provide confidential and non-judgemental advice and support about a range of parenting issues, including child development & behaviour, disability, anxiety, friendship problems, family changes and separation. More info here.

Support for your child

Headspace provides free support to young people (12-25 yrs). They are open 7 days a week for a 1-on-1 chat with trained clinicians. It’s a confidential, free and a safe space to talk about what’s going on. Young people can call (1800 650 890), use the online chat option or email the team at Headspace for support. More info here.

KYDS provides barrier-free, easily accessed counselling, provided by approachable, non-judgmental professionals for young people. No formal referrals from doctors or school staff are needed to see us. We are a free service and we will work with you for as long as you need. More info here.

If your child wants to talk to someone other than the school, or you think added support would help, you may refer them to Kids Helpline. They can also call for free on 1800 551 800.