school avoidance

[/skuːl əˈvɔɪdəns/]
noun
recusa escolar
1. A pattern of behavior in which a student deliberately avoids attending school, often due to anxiety, phobia, or other psychological or social issues
The psychologist diagnosed the child with school avoidance after noticing frequent absences and anxiety symptoms.
A psicóloga diagnosticou a criança com recusa escolar após notar faltas frequentes e sintomas de ansiedade.
2. The act or practice of staying away from school without legitimate reasons, often as a coping mechanism for underlying emotional or behavioral problems
School avoidance can manifest as physical complaints, such as stomachaches or headaches, on school days.
A recusa escolar pode se manifestar como queixas físicas, como dores de estômago ou dores de cabeça, nos dias de aula.
School avoidance is recognized as a serious psychological and educational issue in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazilian schools, it is increasingly addressed through partnerships between educators, psychologists, and families. In the USA, it is often linked to mental health services and is distinguished from simple truancy by its underlying anxiety or psychological basis. The condition reflects broader concerns about student mental health and the pressure of modern education systems.
NYC Slang
cutting school; ditching
Synonyms / Sinônimos
school refusaltruancyabsenteeismeducational neglect
Antonyms / Antônimos
school attendanceregular attendanceacademic engagement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
recusa escolar
Most common term used in educational and psychological contexts in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
recusa escolar
Standard usage; sometimes referred to informally as 'medo da escola'
São Paulo
recusa escolar
Preferred term in educational institutions and psychological assessments
Portugal
recusa escolar or fobia escolar
Both terms are used; 'fobia escolar' emphasizes the anxiety component

Related Words

anxiety disordertruancyabsenteeismschool phobiasocial anxietyeducational psychologybehavioral disorderattendance policy

Related Idioms & Phrases

playing hooky
skipping school
fear of school
school-related anxiety
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