Parent / Guardian Study

The Impact of School Distress on Families in Ireland - Completion Time: 20 Minutes

Parent Survey: The Impact of School Distress (Avoidance) on Families in Ireland

School Distress is often linked to anxiety, undiagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions and unmet needs and is becoming an increasingly serious issue for many families in Ireland. However, the experiences of these families are often not fully understood or reflected in current education policies and supports.

This survey aims to gather the experiences of parents and caregivers whose children struggle to attend school due to anxiety, emotional distress, or related challenges. The findings will be used to highlight the real impact of school avoidance on children and families and to inform discussions with policymakers about how the education system can better support these students.

Your responses will help provide evidence of:

• the challenges children face in accessing education
• the impact on family wellbeing and employment
• gaps in school and mental health supports
• the need for more flexible and inclusive education options

The survey is anonymous. Individual responses will not be identifiable in any report.

By sharing your experience, you are helping to ensure that the voices of families are heard and considered in future policy decisions.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute.