Causes of School Phobia Going to school for the first time can cause great anxiety for very young children.
Separation from parents
If a child sees themselves as different, suffers from a medical condition, or even has a food allergy this can create a source of anxiety about potential bullying.
Bullying
Moving or just starting a new school can bring out insecurities in kids.
Fear about fitting in at a new school or making friends
Kids feel pressure to succeed just like adults do.
Anxiety about academic or athletic performance.
Signs of School Phobia
Obvious
Crying, anxiety, nightmares
Comfort Items
Consider sending along a familiar or comforting item children can use to get them through the challenge of going to school. Examples -- a small soft blanket, a teddy bear and a piece of jewelry.
Erica Labar, M.D.
Associate Medical Director
UofL Pediatrics-Stonestreet
9702 Stonestreet Road Suite 100
Louisville, Ky 40272
Phone: (502) 852-3361
https://www.facebook.com/UoflPediatrics
www.louisville.edu/medschool/pediatrics/clinical/general-pediatrics/stonestreet
