A global wave of school-related anxiety is prompting urgent calls for better mental health support in classrooms. In Northern Ireland, tens of thousands of students have missed substantial class time due to overwhelming distress, autism, ADHD, and bullying. The situation highlights a growing need for flexible approaches to education that protect students’ well-being while maintaining learning momentum. With Thailand reporting rising adolescent mental health concerns after the pandemic, Thai educators, parents, and policymakers can draw practical lessons from this crisis.
Northern Ireland’s Department of Education reports that about 85,000 children have missed more than ten percent of school days this year. More than 4,000 require specialist intervention due to severe absenteeism. The phenomenon, often labeled emotionally-based school avoidance or school refusal, is shaping a new focus for families and schools alike. The Children’s Commissioner has ordered a special inquiry into why many children cannot attend school, with anxiety identified as a key driver, alongside autism, ADHD, and bullying. These concerns mirror global trends as young people struggle to readjust to structured academic and social environments after pandemic disruptions.
Many affected students are bright and motivated to learn, but not within traditional classroom settings. A mother described daily meltdowns and physical symptoms when school looms. Previous supports, such as reduced schedules or time-out passes, sometimes worsened anxiety. She chose private tutoring for basic subjects because public options felt insufficient or inappropriate for her children’s needs.
Mental health experts in the region describe the issue as an “epidemic” of school-based anxiety. They differentiate emotionally-based school avoidance from truancy, noting that many families are actively seeking solutions. Some evidence suggests that pandemic lockdown routines have left lasting barriers to reintegration into regular schooling. These patterns resonate with concerns about the long-term mental health impact of Covid-19 on young people in many countries, including Thailand.
Official data shows strain within educational systems. A sizeable share of high-absentee children referred to welfare services wait for support, and a small number of parents face legal action for keeping children home without valid reasons. Local officials say families frequently seek guidance, and in some cases parents reduce work hours or leave jobs to care for distressed children. These dynamics underscore the need for supportive, non-punitive policies.
Thailand has begun addressing youth mental health within schools, though gaps remain. A 2022 national health survey found notable levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms among Thai students, with school pressures among the top stressors. Absenteeism has increased as students grapple with readjustment. Efforts by the Education Ministry and the Public Health Ministry include expanding school-based mental health resources, such as wellness corners and teacher training in basic psychological first aid. However, uneven coverage, funding limits, and stigma hinder widespread impact, especially in rural areas. Data from Thailand’s health and education sectors shows the scale of the challenge and the need for sustained investment.
Thai culture offers strengths to help build resilience. Community-based approaches, including temple youth groups and peer-support networks inspired by Buddhist communities, can complement school mental health programs. When integrated thoughtfully, these channels can bolster social-emotional coping skills and create safer spaces for students to seek help.
Experts recommend several actionable steps. International research consistently emphasizes early intervention, diverse learning options, and non-punitive approaches to school refusal. Evidence suggests cognitive-behavioral therapy, family engagement, and campus-wide supports are effective. Some countries have piloted flexible learning centers and smaller classes that provide therapeutic assistance—models worth exploring for Thailand. A core message from researchers and educators is to avoid punitive actions against families and instead offer partnership, resources, and flexible learning pathways.
In Thailand, continued expansion of mental health services in schools remains a priority. The Education Ministry, in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry, is piloting initiatives like wellness corners and teacher training in mental health first aid. To broaden impact, scaling up funding, counselor-to-student ratios, and anti-stigma campaigns will be essential, especially in rural areas. Integrating community resources with school programs can also strengthen resilience among Thai students.
Practical steps for Thai readers include: fostering open, non-judgmental conversations about mental health with children and teens; advocating for robust school mental health services and participating in school governance to push for improvements; learning about national helplines and local support networks; and supporting schools in offering alternative pathways and peer-support groups. Drawing on Thai cultural strengths, such as family collaboration and community networks, can help schools implement inclusive, compassionate approaches.
For further context on school anxiety and related research, readers can refer to global studies on school refusal and program evaluations. Data and insights from health and education authorities underscore the importance of holistic strategies that combine counseling, flexible learning options, and community engagement. The Thai education system’s ongoing efforts aim to create safer, more responsive schools where every student can thrive.