If your teenager won’t go to school, there’s probably more to it than just a general dislike of class and homework. 

Teen school refusal is a somewhat common issue, affecting up to 15% of school-aged kids. But that doesn’t make it any less harmful, nor does it speak to the underlying mental health issues that are so often behind it. 

Chronic absenteeism can have a significant impact on a teen’s academic success, emotional well-being, and family dynamics. For these and other reasons, it’s important to address teen school refusal as early as possible – a process that usually starts with understanding why some teens refuse to go to school, as well as how you can help.

The Ridge RTC helps teens navigate a wide range of mental health challenges, including school refusal. Read on for a better understanding of school refusal in high school, plus dedicated tips getting your teen back on track. 

My Teenager Refuses to Go to School: What’s Going On?

School refusal is more than just skipping class. For teens, this troubling behavior is usually rooted in emotional distress and can be driven by anxiety, depression (symptoms of which may or may not be spurred by school-related matters), or a variety of other mental health concerns. 

Unlike general truancy, which is typically linked to defiance and/or disengagement, a teen refusing to go to school is often crying out for help, not resisting it. You may have noticed frequent complaints of illness or extreme anxiety, or witnessed outbursts before school or multiple missed days in a row. However it presents, teen school refusal is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with, both for your child’s mental well-being and their future success. 

Common Reasons Behind School Refusal in High School

High school is a challenging time, both in and out of the halls. If your teenager refuses to go to school, that’s your cue as a parent that all is not right in your child’s world and that they likely need targeted help to move forward. 

Common triggers for teen school refusal include:

• Anxiety, Depression & Mental Health Struggles: Social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, or panic attacks.
• Bullying & Peer Issues: Fear of harassment, social exclusion, or cyberbullying.
• Academic Pressure & Fear of Failure: Feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork or struggling with learning difficulties.
• Major Life Changes or Trauma: Family conflicts, divorce, moving, or personal loss.
• Undiagnosed Learning Disorders: Difficulty keeping up in class and/or with coursework. 

Your teen may not be forthcoming about what’s going on. Or, they may be unaware themselves of what is causing such distress. In either case, it’s your job to help your teen get to the bottom of school refusal and, just as key, to help them take steps to move on from it. 

How Parents Can Support a Teen Refusing to Go to School

There are things that you can do right at home to manage school refusal in high school. 

First and foremost, open the lines of communication with your child and allow them to speak freely about their fears and frustrations. Based on what they tell you, the next step could be to bolster structure and emotional support so that your teen feels confident going back to school. Likewise, your teen could benefit from a more consistent routine that alleviates some or all of the obstacles to school attendance. 

If necessary, work with the school for accommodations such as a 504 plan, IEP, or flexible attendance options, and aim to encourage small steps back to school rather than forcing attendance. 

When to Seek Professional Help

In severe cases, professional help may be warranted. This could be in the form of therapy, counseling, or more intensive programs. 

We recommend seeking professional help if you have a teen refusing to go to school for weeks or months, or if school refusal is impacting their daily functioning. Other reasons to bring in expert help include if your teen is showing signs of severe anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, or if traditional school settings are too overwhelming for them. In the latter case, it may be time to consider alternative education or residential treatment options like The Ridge RTC. 

Dedicated Mental Health Support for Teens

If your teenager won’t go to school, help is available. 

We offer specialized programs for high schoolers struggling with school refusal, all in a supportive and structured environment where teens can rebuild confidence and address underlying mental health concerns. We also offer family therapy and educational planning to ease the transition back to traditional academic settings. 

Your teen is not alone in this struggle – and neither are you. We encourage early intervention to prevent long-term academic and emotional struggles, and we can work with your family every step of the way toward your child’s sustained recovery. Explore our website for more information on school refusal treatment and support options.