Information
This general information is provided as a guide for young people, parents and caregivers, service professsionals and schools. If you find incorrect information please contact us to have the relevant page updated.- Accommodation
- Legal Issues
- Road Safety
- Same sex attracted and gender diverse
- School Refusal
- Self Harm
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Health
- Suicidal Behaviour
- Anger Management
- Bullying
- Counselling
- Cultural Support (CALD)
- Depression & Anxiety
- Disability
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Education and career development
- Family Violence
- Indigenous Australians
- Body Image
School Refusal
There are a number of underlying factors as to why a student may be refusing or not attending school such as bullying, family issues, stress, learning difficulties and curriculum. In order to support a student re-engaging in school these issues need to be explored.
School Refusal
- Reluctance or refusal to attend.
- Usually at home with parental knowledge.
- Severe emotional upset (tantrums, feeling unwell etc )
Unauthorised Absence/Truancy
- Attempts by student to conceal absenteeism from parents/teachers.
- Student often avoids home when absent from school.
- Relates to 5-20% of young people.
- Incidence of increases with age.
- Most not coping with school academically.
School Withdrawal
- Is often condoned by parents.
- Holidays.
- Shopping trips.
- Medical/dental appointments.
- Birthdays.
- Support/help at home.
- Support for an unwell parent.
- Education is not highly valued.
Strategies
Professionals/Teachers
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Explore the underlying factors as to why a student may be refusing or not attending school.
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Provision of a flexible curriculum.
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Tracking, recording and monitoring absences.
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Quick and consistent follow up with the student and their family.
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Cooperation between school and parents.
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Engage with the student so that they feel like part of the school.
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Access community supports.
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Develop a coordinated plan with student, family and school to support the student in reengaging in school.
Parents/Carers
- Encourage a regular pattern of your child attending and arriving on time at school.
- Provide the school with an explanation if your child is away.
- Contact the school if your child does not want to go to school.
Useful Resources
It’s Not OK to Be Away: Student Attendance Support Kit – Department of Education & Training Victoria
Premier’s Drug Prevention Council – Truancy Resource Booklets - A guide for the student welfare coordinator booklets.