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New research from the Barnardos children's charity reveals that more than half of primary pupils and 70 per cent of secondary students avoided school last year, with friendship concerns, anxiety and bullying cited as the main causes.
More than half of primary school pupils and two-thirds of secondary students refused to go to school at least once last year, according to new findings published by the Barnardos children's charity.
The research highlights a significant rise in school avoidance among young people in Ireland, with anxiety, difficulties engaging with lessons and problems with friendships emerging as the leading causes. According to the report, 59 per cent of primary school parents said their children were worried about going back to school, while the figure rose sharply to 70 per cent at second level.
These figures suggest that school-related distress is not confined to any particular age group but is in fact intensifying as students progress through the education system. Concerns about friendships were identified as the single biggest issue for both primary and secondary pupils, cited by 30 per cent of primary parents and 31 per cent of secondary parents respectively. Beyond friendship difficulties, the research also pointed to classwork and bullying as significant contributing factors driving pupils away from the classroom.
The findings reflect broader concerns among educators and child welfare organisations about the emotional wellbeing of school-aged young people, particularly in the aftermath of extended pandemic-related disruptions to schooling and social development. The charity has called for greater investment in mental health supports, early intervention services and whole-school approaches to wellbeing in order to address what it describes as a growing crisis in school engagement.
Barnardos emphasised that school avoidance should not be viewed simply as misbehaviour or truancy, but rather as a signal of underlying emotional or social distress that requires a compassionate and structured response from parents, teachers and support services alike. The organisation urged policymakers to consider dedicated funding for school-based counselling, improved anti-bullying frameworks and training for teachers to recognise and respond to signs of anxiety in students.
The Irish Times has invited parents and former students who have experienced school refusal to share their stories as part of ongoing coverage of this issue
School Refusal Barnardos Children Anxiety Ireland Education
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