Information on emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)

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Watch a presentation for families and young people about EBSA from our Educational Psychology Service: YouTube: EBSA (opens new window)

Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) is the phrase used to describe children who are not attending education settings or who are finding it very difficult to go to school due to emotional reasons.

Worrying or anxiety are feelings that we all experience from time to time. Worry only becomes a problem when it stops people doing what they want or need to do. Many children and young people worry about school. Learning to deal with anxieties is part of growing up.

However, some children find that they worry so much that it stops them from feeling able to go to education settings. This is called Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA).

How EBSA behaviour develops

If your child/young person is very worried about their education settings, it might feel 'kinder' to keep them at home for a short period of time. However, the more time they spend away from school, the more difficult it becomes to return and change the school avoiding behaviour. It is best to ask for support early to help your child return to schools as soon as possible. 

The list below shows how EBSA behaviour develops:

1. Anxious feelings about school
2. Negative thoughts about school and one's ability to cope
3. Avoid the situation that is invoking the anxiety
4. Immediate anxiety reduces
5. Increased school avoidance

The consequences of EBSA are:

• pleasurable activities at home
• decrease in motivation
• falling behind in school work
• loss of friends and increased isolation
• increased anxiety around school