A quiet crisis is emerging in classrooms worldwide and now affecting Thai students: emotionally-based school avoidance, or EBSA. New international research shows more children miss school due to anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress. In the United Kingdom, studies indicate a fivefold rise in students missing more than half of their school days over the past decade, reflecting the lingering effects of the Covid-19 era.
EBSA is not simply refusal to attend. It describes students who feel unable to go to school because of overwhelming emotional or physical distress. The key distinction is that “I can’t” reflects a mental health and support challenge, not just discipline. This reframing guides how schools respond and support students.
For Thai families, the stakes are high. Thailand faces similar pressures: intense academic expectations, bullying concerns, social changes, and ongoing adjustments to post-pandemic schooling. The emotional climate at home—stress, parental mental health, and financial pressures—can heighten vulnerability to EBSA.
Research shows EBSA often coexists with anxiety and mood disorders rather than being a standalone diagnosis. In England, about 1% to 5% of students are affected, with attendance remaining low after the pandemic. The pattern often forms a cycle: absence leads to isolation, which fuels anxiety and hurts academic progress.
Experts describe classrooms where many children struggle to feel safe, supported, and connected. When needs go unmet, school may become a source of distress rather than a place for growth. This helps explain why some students see avoidance as the only escape from overwhelming pressure.
Beyond grades, EBSA can affect long-term well-being. Depression, weaker peer connections, and later employment challenges may follow if early signs are not addressed. International responses show promise: targeted small-group therapy and creative activities help rebuild confidence and belonging—approaches that could be adapted for Thai schools, public and private alike.
Parental stress is a critical dimension. Caregivers often feel blamed as schools seek to understand their child’s distress. Practical resources from reputable organizations offer guidance for families, including online workshops and support groups that help families navigate school-related anxiety.
While Thailand-specific data are developing, educators and health professionals report rising mental health challenges among Thai youth. The pandemic’s disruption—remote learning, school closures, and reduced access to support networks—likely contributed to increased anxiety and withdrawal for some students.
Thai culture places a high value on education, and family expectations can intensify the pressure felt by distressed students. Buddhist principles of compassion and interdependence provide a framework for supporting students in distress. Community-driven strategies—where teachers, families, and health professionals collaborate—may be particularly effective in Thailand.
Experts advocate a holistic “whole school” approach: raise awareness, detect early signs, and provide integrated support from teachers, counselors, and health professionals. International findings support parent-focused online programs and embedding mental health education into core curricula. Professional development for teachers and school counselors is essential to distinguish EBSA from willful absence and respond with appropriate care.
Creative, affordable interventions from abroad—such as small-group therapy and art projects—highlight the power of social connection and self-confidence in reducing avoidance. These models can be adapted to Thai classrooms to foster belonging and resilience among students.
For parents and educators in Thailand, practical steps include open, non-judgmental conversations with children, early involvement of teachers and counselors, and timely consultation with mental health professionals when anxiety appears. Nationwide, efforts should continue to destigmatize school-related distress and recognize EBSA as a signal of unmet needs, not parental failure or student misbehavior.
In short, the post-pandemic rise of emotionally-based school avoidance poses a critical challenge for Thailand’s education system and society. Addressing it with compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based practices can help ensure every student feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.
If parents and teachers seek guidance, reputable organizations provide practical, stigma-free resources and programs to support student well-being. Embracing a culture that recognizes and supports emotionally vulnerable students will strengthen Thailand’s educational future.