The Importance of Connection
Strong, supportive connections play an important role in a young person's mental health, wellbeing and development. Feeling connected to family, friends, school and community can provide children and adolescents with a sense of belonging, security and acceptance, helping them feel valued and supported as they grow.
As young people navigate friendships, increasing independence, social pressures and the digital world, maintaining meaningful connections can sometimes become more challenging. Positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging can help protect against loneliness and isolation, while building resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
This edition of SchoolTV explores the importance of connection and offers practical strategies to help strengthen relationships, foster belonging and ensure young people feel supported, understood and connected.
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School refusal, sometimes called school avoidance or school phobia, is not uncommon. It is different to ‘wagging’ or truancy and is often related to worry or anxiety-related issues about going to school. School refusal may start gradually or happen suddenly. Although it is normal for a child to occasionally miss a day of school, parents should only be concerned if a child regularly complains about feeling sick or often asks to stay home due to minor physical complaints.
School refusal is a complex issue as there is rarely a single cause. It affects children of all ages across primary and secondary levels. It can often occur during times of transition at school. More recently, the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the educational experience of all students, affecting some more than others. Dealing with a school refusal child can affect the whole family, adding pressure to an already challenging time. School refusal is not considered a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It’s a name given to an emotional and/or behavioural problem.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will learn how best to approach this issue and work towards a solution.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact your child’s Head of House, Year 9 Director / Head of Community or Wellbeing Support Service for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the School Refusal edition of SchoolTV https://notredame.vic.schooltv...

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