What do you do when your child won’t go to school… and it doesn’t feel like defiance? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, we explore emotional based school avoidance (EBSA / EBSNA) – why it happens, when it’s most likely to start, and what actually helps children feel able to return to education.I’m joined by Educational Psychologist @Dr.AdamMcCartney and we discuss the psychology behind school refusal, the pressure on families and schools, and why one trusted teacher can sometimes make all the difference.If you’re a parent, professional, or aspiring psychologist trying to understand school anxiety, attendance difficulties, or child mental health, this episode will help you think about it differently.
⏱️ Timestamps
- 00:00 Why “school refusal” might be the wrong term
- 01:36 What is EBSA / EBSNA?
- 04:09 Changing attitudes to education
- 06:12 Attendance pressure and parental stress
- 08:52 Why support becomes harder over time
- 15:04 The most common age for school avoidance
- 16:42 Secondary school transitions explained
- 17:38 The power of one teacher relationship
- 19:01 School attendance pressures and systems
- 21:27 What parents can do to support their child
- 22:22 What good pastoral care actually looks like
- 23:45 Relational vs behavioural approaches
- 24:41 Supporting children without blame
- 27:11 Real-life parenting reflections
- 30:08 Why emotional validation matters
Links:
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