Estonian psychologist says signs of school avoidance are appearing earlier in children
In Estonia, signs of avoiding school attendance are increasingly appearing in younger children and sometimes even before they begin school. This was reported by Kiili High School psychologist Kristi Feldman, according to ERR News.
According to her, school avoidance most often manifests during the third stage of basic education, although early signs may be noticeable much earlier. Some primary school pupils already find it difficult to attend classes, while children entering first grade sometimes have problems adapting.
High expectations and exhaustion
Feldman believes that school avoidance arises when a child’s needs are not aligned with their environment. The reasons may vary, including difficulties in relationships or a curriculum that the child cannot cope with. Anxiety and mood disorders can also reduce a child’s ability to attend school and study.
The psychologist noted that an achievement-oriented society creates high expectations for children. They are often expected not only to study well but also to succeed in sports and stand out from others. Children internalize such demands and become highly self-critical.
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The problem can also affect pupils with excellent grades: they may suddenly stop attending classes because they lack the strength. Feldman also links developed school avoidance to exhaustion. Pupils who miss school fear falling behind the curriculum and having to catch up on a large amount of material.
Support from school and family
In the psychologist’s view, it is important to notice changes in a child’s behavior as early as possible. Parents should talk to the child and contact the school to find out whether anything has changed in the learning environment. If necessary, the educational program can be individualized, including by temporarily arranging home-based learning.
Feldman emphasized that the longer a child remains outside the school environment, the more difficult it is for them to return. She described as the most difficult cases those in which school avoidance turns into avoidance of learning itself: the child lacks the strength to complete even minimal tasks at home and may mistakenly consider themselves lazy.
According to the psychologist, about half of Estonia’s schools have a school psychologist, while many employ social pedagogues. At the same time, access to such support varies by region. Municipalities have child and youth protection specialists, and local authorities must reimburse a family for the cost of psychological assistance outside school if the educational institution cannot provide it.
