Training Resources for Educators on Addressing School Phobia
Chronic absenteeism due to mental health disabilities is a pervasive issue in Canadian schools, transcending mere concerns of mental health, disability, education, or human rights—it’s a critical matter of survival. The absence of tailored educational accommodations, support, and services escalates the risk of suicide among these students.
The ongoing silence surrounding school phobia and chronic absenteeism demands urgent attention. Decisions made at various levels—from individual schools to school boards, and from provincial and territorial authorities to the federal government, involving school support staff, administrators, and mental health professionals—have profound implications. Students grappling with mental health challenges, including school phobia, are entitled to an education that is not only publicly funded but also responsive to their specific educational and disability-related needs.
As a society, it’s imperative that we nurture one another, valuing the lives and futures of our youth. Commitment to mental health, inclusion, accessibility, and human rights must evolve from mere conversation to concrete action. We are called to establish and implement the necessary accommodations that enable students to engage with and benefit from their education. It’s time to honor the commitment Canada made by signing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, following its introduction in 1989, by actualizing the human rights it advocates for children. https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention
YMHC Certificate Course: School-Wide Strategies for Supporting Students with School Phobia, Avoidance, and Chronic Absenteeism for Education, and Mental Health Professionals
Tackling school phobia, avoidance, and chronic absenteeism is crucial for addressing youth mental health and preventing suicide.
Enroll in the YMHC School Phobia Training Course to acquire essential skills and knowledge to assist students facing persistent school absenteeism. Join us and be part of the change.
The course is grounded in extensive research, offering a suite of school-wide strategies designed to enhance the well-being, education, and future prospects of students.
Leveraging over two decades of experience in addressing school phobia, the course instructor brings invaluable insights from her involvement in Stay-in-School initiatives and her extensive background in teaching students at various educational levels in Canada and Africa. Her active participation in global organizations dedicated to youth mental health, suicide prevention, and school attendance enriches the course content, providing a well-rounded perspective on the subject.
YMHC Mental Health and Wellness Workshops and Presentations
YMHC offers a range of workshops and presentations, both virtual and in-person, for diverse groups including students (from elementary to postsecondary), parents/caregivers, school staff, corporate employees, and trade union members across various settings. These sessions are customizable to meet your specific requirements.
Workshop Categories:
- Parent/Family Workshops
- School Workshops
- Community Workshops
- Corporate Workshops
- Trade Union Workshops
Featured Workshops:
- Implementing School-Wide Strategies to Foster Student Mental Wellness
- Addressing School Phobia, Avoidance, and Chronic Absenteeism through School-Wide Strategies
- Designing Your Personal Wellness Action Plan
- Cultivating Networks of Support, Strength, and Resilience
Supporting Students with School Phobia: A Comprehensive Guide for Families and Schools
This guidebook provides a thorough exploration of school phobia, offering insights for families and educational institutions. It includes:
- An in-depth look at school phobia, including its signs, symptoms, and warning signs, as well as the impact of losses and the crucial aspects of education roles, responsibilities, and rights, with an emphasis on appropriate language use.
- A variety of support strategies tailored to assist students with school phobia.
- Guidance on creating a Mental Wellness Action Plan.
- Insights into trauma-informed approaches specific to school phobia.
- A comprehensive Whole School Approach, complete with assessment forms, support frameworks, and action plans.
- Suggestions for educational accommodations that can be tailored to individual needs.
About the Author:
Sheryl Boswell is a seasoned educator with a rich background in teaching students across various educational stages in Canada and Africa. As a survivor of suicide loss, she brings a personal and profound understanding to her role as a child and youth mental health expert. Currently, she is the Executive Director of Youth Mental Health Canada.
About Youth Mental Health:
Proceeds from this book contribute to YMHC, a grassroots, community-oriented, youth-led charitable organization dedicated to education, support, and advocacy in mental health.
👉 Download the School Phobia Guidebook (Print, Digital, or Photocopiable Digital)