School Phobia

Most children and teenagers enjoy school, and the changes, new friendships, new environment, and activities can be exciting. All of these changes can also present a new set of fears and anxieties, and some students may experience a period of distress. 

A phobia of school can occur at any age, but is most prevalent in young children who are just starting out in the early grades. School phobia can be a result of mixed feelings of anxiety and dread about new places, and it can take some time overcome.  The earlier that a school phobia is detected, the easier it will be for the child or teenager to overcome it. 

Symptoms of school phobia include sweating, an inability to focus, nausea, and even a panic attack.  Young children in particular will avoid talking about school, and will retreat from peers and friends too quickly. 

If this goes unaddressed, it may lead to social anxiety phobias or social anxiety disorder later on in life.  School phobia can be particularly distressing and cause the student to experience challenges and difficulties in everyday functioning.

School phobia is a symptom of an anxiety disorder, and there are many ways that children express their frustration.  This can include refusing to go to school at all, trouble sleeping, panic or tantrums every morning, frequent sickness or stomach aches, feeling unsafe, and a heightened sense of anxiety at night or on weekends.

School phobias can be a direct result of pressure at school, general anxiety, or specific situations.  However, they are also a normal part of growing up, and when avoidance is not a choice, most children adapt and learn to function effectively. 

If they are continuously avoiding school or are getting sick, it may indicate that the school phobia is not enabling them to challenge their fears and overcome it.

Children can feel anxious from a variety of situations.  This can include moving, losing old friends, being left along, not having their favorite food for lunch, or not being able to keep up with their peer group with clothes or possessions.  Although each of these areas needs to be addressed by the caregiver or parent, it can be the root cause of school phobia in many children.

Children who suffer from school phobia must work through their anxiety disorder in order to overcome it.  This can mean working with a guidance counselor or therapist on a regular basis to become more comfortable with going to school consistently. 

When they can establish strong groups of friends and participate in regular activities, children will learn to be comfortable on their own and are likely to enjoy going to school each day instead of retreating from it.

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