Research conducted by HCF has found that more than a third (36%) of primary school children have experienced stress and unhappiness related to attending school due to mental health issues in the past year.

Nearly one in four (24%) of these children face this distress on a weekly basis.

Mental health impacts primary school children’s attendance

Key findings from the study revealed the extent of school refusal behaviours:

• Almost three in 10 (28%) parents reported their child being late to school due to mental health challenges, with nearly one in five (19%) experiencing this weekly.
• About a quarter (26%) of parents noted their child’s partial absence from school because of mental health issues, with one in six (17%) reporting this weekly.
• Nearly three in 10 (28%) parents observed their child’s full-day absence from school due to mental health problems, with almost one in five (18%) seeing this weekly.

“The emotional distress experienced by children when they are struggling to attend school can stem from many factors, including challenges related to neurodiversity and mental health disorders, as well as from difficulties at home, with their health and many other areas,” said clinical psychologist Rebecca Short.

Primary school children in Australia face mental health issues

The study further found that over half (53%) of surveyed parents indicated that their primary school-aged child had displayed mental health challenges in the past year.

About one in three parents (37%) said their child had been formally diagnosed with a mental health or neurodevelopmental condition, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or anxiety.

Short emphasised the complexity of school attendance issues.

“It’s critical to recognise that children are not just staying home because they don’t like school – and that there is significant distress for both parents and children struggling with school attendance,” she said. “Families often need intensive and appropriate support to ensure the wellbeing of both the child and their family.”

Challenges in accessing mental health support for primary school children

The research also highlighted challenges in accessing mental health support, with over a third (35%) of parents not seeking assistance for their child.

“Navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming,” said Linda Opie, head of health & wellbeing at HCF. “By offering convenient access to a range of mental health services and family support, we can empower families to choose what’s right for them to effectively navigate these difficult situations.”

Digital mental health services in Australia

Opie noted the increasing availability of digital mental health services, such as online cognitive behavioural therapy, which can complement in-person support. Programs like Calm Kid Central and This Way Up offer evidence-based resources to help children and families manage mental health issues.

“The programs help you understand and develop coping strategies to manage mental challenges like stress, insomnia, worry, anxiety, and depression,” she said. “Almost all of us will face stress, anxiety or depression at some point in our lives. By reaching out for help, parents can take the first step towards supporting their child’s and their own mental wellbeing.”