School Phobia: What Is It?

Does your teen have headaches, stomachaches and other ailments on school days? Does he express fear of going to school because of problems with peers or a teacher? Does she frequently cry or oversleep on weekday mornings? Does he stubbornly refuse to attend school most of the time, or sneak back home after you’ve left for work?

If you answered yes to any of the above, your teen may have school phobia. This can be a symptom of severe depression, stress or other emotional problems. What can you do?

• First, try to pinpoint the problem, getting your teen’s fears and feelings out in the open.

• Second, listen and try to help your teen find ways of coping with troublesome peers or a difficult class. Don’t take over the problem. Explore ways to ease stress and depression.

• Third, consider professional help if your teen is seriously depressed.

• Fourth, enlist the aid of teachers. They can give information about special educational alternatives your teen may need temporarily and can offer much needed support.

An expert in the field of adolescent behavior, Ms. McCoy has authored eleven books on the subject including the best selling “The Teenage Body Book”. Additionally she has written hundreds of articles for major national magazines. Coordinator of the Clinical Ph.D. Program at California School of Professional Psychology and Staff Counselor at the Center for Individual and Family Counseling in North Hollywood, California.