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Emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA) is a highly complex issue, rooted in anxiety.

Recent reports suggest one in 50 students in England missed at least half of their lessons in 2024 - significantly more than was the case pre-Covid. Department for Education data shows 150,000 children at state schools were categorised as 'severely absent' in 2022-23, which was a 30,000 rise compared to the previous year.

Easy-access help from services like Kooth and Qwell can be a critical part of the support network needed for rising numbers of young people and their families who are impacted by EBSNA.

What is EBSNA and why is it on the rise?

Dr Lynne Green, consultant clinical psychologist and Kooth's chief clinical officer, describes the complex, distressing and very individual causes of EBSNA for rising numbers of young people, as well as its impacts on families and schools.

What is EBSNA and how does it impact children and young people?

The impact of EBSNA can range from the young person experiencing an occasional reluctance to attend school, to complete non-attendance. It can start suddenly or develop gradually over time.

It’s really important to highlight that EBSNA is not about young people being “defiant” or “lazy” - it’s a complex issue with no one single cause. EBSNA can be influenced by factors at school and at home, as well as by individual differences in personality and coping styles between young people.