What is school disengagement and why does it happen?
As parents and caregivers, we want the best for our children. But when you see your child struggling with school, feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or uninterested it’s hard not to feel powerless. School disengagement can start subtly, missed homework, declining grades, reluctance to attend school. But over time it can snowball into a more significant issue. For parents and caregivers of young people with additional needs, these feelings can be even more intense. But you don’t have to go through it alone, and there are ways to help your child find their way back to learning.
Why do kids disengage?
There are many reasons a child might start disengaging from school. For some, it’s due to learning difficulties that make the classroom feel like an uphill battle every day. For others, it’s the social challenges, feeling out of place, being misunderstood by peers, or struggling to make friends. Anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and behavioural issues also play a big role, especially for children with additional needs.
It’s important to remember that disengagement doesn’t happen overnight. Often, it’s the result of a series of unmet needs. A child who isn’t feeling understood or supported in their environment may start to associate school with frustration, fear, or failure. This creates a cycle where the child pulls away more and more, making it harder for them to reengage without support.
Recognising the signs
The key to addressing school disengagement is recognising the signs While some signs, like skipping school or refusing to participate in class are more obvious, others can be harder to spot. Pay attention to patterns like:
- Increased reluctance to talk about school.
- Regular complaints of headaches, stomach aches, or feeling unwell when it’s time to go to school.
- A noticeable drop in energy or enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed.
- Avoidance of homework or refusing to complete assignments.
- Understanding these indicators can help parents and caregivers intervene before the issue deepens.
What can parents and caregivers do?
Supporting a child through school disengagement requires patience, understanding and often, a change in approach. Eveny child is different but there are some key strategies that can help:
Open Communication: Start by having honest, non-judgmental conversations with your child. Try to understand how they’re feeling about school and what challenges they’re facing.
Collaborate with the school: Reach out to teachers and support staff. Often, the school can offer insights or suggest adjustments that can help, such as modified assignments, breaks during class, or extra support.
Create a Supportive Environment: At home, help your child develop a routine that includes time for relaxation, hobbies, and learning. Encouraging small successes, both academically and personally, can rebuild their confidence over time.
Seek Professional Support: Sometimes, working with specialists who understand the behavioural, emotional, and cognitive needs of children with additional challenges is key. They can help you better understand the root causes of disengagement and develop a tailored plan for your child.
Take the next step: If you’re feeling unsure about where to start or how to best support your child, you’re not alone> Gateways Support Services is hosting a special forum on Navigating School Disengagement, led by our experienced Positive Behaviour Support Specialists. This event will dive deeper into the causes of disengagement and provide practical strategies you can use to help your child reengage with their education. It’ also a great opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers facing similar challenges.
Event details:
Date: Tuesday 12th November
Time: 9:30am – 3pm
Where: Gateways Support Services Geelong – 12-14 Thompson Rd, North Geelong, 3215
Cost: $25.00 (includes lunch)
To learn more and secure your spot, click here. We look forward to seeing you there and helping you support your child on their educational journey.
