Supporting young people when a student is grappling with mental health issues and is unable to attend school is crucial. It’s vital to enhance mental wellness protective factors, create educational models tailored to individual needs, and develop proactive and preventive strategies to assist young people facing school phobia. This approach is central to early intervention and embodies our commitment to “building a world worth living in.”
The issue of school phobia and “refusal” stands out as a pressing challenge in youth mental health and suicide prevention.
Many students are at risk of losing their education, support networks, and future opportunities. The absence from school correlates with increased risks of suicidality, incarceration, poverty, and other adverse outcomes.
We must address this significant, societal, structural, and systemic issue impacting students with mental health challenges.
Professional Certificate Course in School Phobia, Avoidance, and Absenteeism
School phobia, avoidance, and absenteeism rank among the most critical concerns in addressing youth mental health and preventing suicide.
The YMHC School Phobia Training Course equips you with essential knowledge and skills to assist students battling chronic absenteeism. Enroll today to contribute to the solution.
The course provides 12 hours of instruction, practical assignments, and a certificate upon completion. Leveraging extensive research, YMHC now presents comprehensive full-day training sessions for professionals in education and mental health.
Schedule
Education Matters: Education, Mental Health, and Disability Issues
Understanding Chronic School Absenteeism Issues
Emotional Regulation and School Phobia
Building Mental Wellness Protective Factors: Sources of Support
Building Sources of Strength and Resilience
School-Wide Strategies to Support Students with School Phobia, Avoidance, and Non-Attendance
Workshops and Presentations
YMHC provides a range of workshops and presentations for students, parents, educators, and professionals, which can be tailored to meet specific needs. These sessions cover various aspects of mental health and are designed to enhance understanding and provide practical strategies for support .
Mental Wellness Workbooks and Guidebooks
YMHC has developed a series of workbooks and guidebooks aimed at supporting students with school phobia. These resources offer guidance on signs and symptoms, support strategies, educational accommodations, and approaches to building resilience and mental wellness. The materials are available in multiple formats and languages, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity​​.
👉 Download the School Phobia Guidebook (Print, Digital, or Photocopiable Digital)
Addressing Chronic School Absenteeism
YMHC emphasizes the need for a systemic and community-wide approach to address the issue of school absenteeism, which has significant implications for the mental health, education, and future opportunities of young people. The organization advocates for a model that incorporates the voices and needs of students, families, and educators, and calls for national attention to re-engage “missing” students and address the underlying factors contributing to absenteeism​​.
YMHC’s commitment to “building a world worth living in” is reflected in its proactive, preventive, and tailored strategies to support young people facing school phobia and related challenges. By enhancing mental wellness protective factors and creating individualized educational models, YMHC plays a crucial role in early intervention and supports the mental health and well-being of young Canadians.