Rising crisis: school refusal increases globally

School refusal is increasing globally, driven by anxiety rather than laziness, prompting calls for a national approach to support affected students and families.

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School refusal is on the rise across Australia and globally, with growing evidence that it’s linked more to anxiety than defiance. Experts say students aren’t simply avoiding school—they’re overwhelmed by emotional and mental health challenges. Richard Crawshaw, founder of Can’t Face School, highlights how many families struggle to find support or understanding. Advocates are now calling for a national approach, placing the child’s needs at the centre, with community-based solutions and open school communication being key to recovery.