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If your child is experiencing difficulty in attending and/or remaining at school during the day due to emotional distress about attending school, they may be experiencing school reluctance or refusal.
It is important to note that school refusal is not a diagnosable mental health condition; however, it may be a consequence of mental health issues (eg anxiety, depression).
There are numerous and interacting child, family, school, community and other circumstances that contribute to a child’s attendance at school. For parents of Australian teenagers who are refusing to go to school, several strategies and services can provide support and guidance.
Where to start?
Read Responding to school reluctance or refusal: Strategies for parents and check out the support information for parents at Reachout.
Sign up to PIP-ED (Partners in Parenting: Education), an award-winning, evidence-based parenting program designed by researchers at Monash University, Deakin University and the University of Melbourne. The program is designed to support parents of teenagers struggling with school attendance in the context of anxiety and/or depression, by equipping parents with strategies to improve their parenting confidence and support their teen’s mental health and education.
Contact the the Student Support Officer at Wagga Wagga High School on 02 69253611 to discuss how best to implement any of school-based strategies from the PIP-ED program.
Where to next:?
The Responding to school reluctance or refusal: Strategies for parents provides guidelines to supporting your child. Below are some supplementary local contacts that relate to the information in the document. Please read Responding to school reluctance or refusal: Strategies for parents before reading further.
Box 1: What types of professionals might be needed?
Your family doctor (GP)
Your family doctor can make referrals to appropriate mental health professionals
Headspace Wagga - PH 02 69327500
Counselling services
Mission Australia Wagga - PH 02 6932 7500
Counselling services
Box 2: If you are worried about your child’s safety
Accessline Crisis Line - PH 1800 800 944
A 24/7 local telephone service which provides residents access to expert mental health advice, support and referrals.
Kids Helpline - PH 1800 55 1800
A free, private and confidential 24/7 telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Box 3: If you are considering changing schools or alternative schooling options
Indie School Wagga Wagga is an independent alternative high school for students aged 15 to 18.
Employment agencies: OCTEC, Omnia
Wagga Wagga High School Careers Adviser – PH 02 69253611
The Careers Adviser can support the student in finding apprenticeships and traineeships. They can also provide information about completing Year 10 and senior studies at TAFE.
Box 4: If your child has a learning difficulty
Your family doctor (GP)
Your GP can provide a referral to a paediatrician who will be able to assess your child’s learning difficulties and recommend appropriate interventions and supports.
Wagga Wagga High School Learning Support Team – PH 02 69253611
Your point of contact at WWHS can make a referral to the Learning Support Team (LST) for your child. Any paperwork you can provide from your doctor or paediatrician that supports your child’s learning diagnosis will fast-track applications for support.
Box 5: If you are experiencing financial difficulties
Wagga Wagga High School Head Teacher Wellbeing – PH 02 69253611
Your point of contact at the school can arrange for the Head Teacher Wellbeing to assist in sourcing financial support from the school or The Smith Family. They can also make a referral to our Relationships Australia Education Worker who can support your family through financial crisis.
Box 6: Risk and protective factors for developing school reluctance or refusal
Designed by the University of Queensland, this evidence-based program provides teenagers and their parents with information and skills to help cope with worries and anxiety.
Designed by the Black Dog Institute, this evidence-based program includes six weekly challenges to help improve mental fitness, increase happiness, reduce stress, improve friendships and focus.
Box 7: Self-care activities
Wagga Wagga High School Head Teacher Wellbeing – PH 02 69253611
Your point of contact at the school can arrange for the Head Teacher Wellbeing to make a referral to our Relationships Australia Education Worker who can assist you in finding services that can support you at this time.
Important note:
Every teenager is unique, and it’s important to consider their individual interests, strengths, and preferences when exploring strategies for school refusal. There may be programs or approaches that would suit your child best, and this is a discussion that you could have with your GP or mental health professional.
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