# School refusal: a hidden challenge for working parents

## TL;DR

School refusal is increasing, especially in Japan, and is causing serious work-family stress and mental health issues for working parents.

## Contribution

This paper highlights the overlooked issue of work-family conflict caused by school refusal and proposes ways for occupational health professionals to address it.

## Key findings

- School refusal is linked to job loss, depression, and anxiety in working parents.
- Work-family conflict due to school refusal is under-researched in occupational health.
- The paper outlines priorities for future research and support strategies for affected parents.

## Abstract

School refusal is rising globally and has reached an all-time high in Japan. It imposes critical work–family conflict on employed parents, with preliminary surveys linking it to job loss, depression, and anxiety. Despite its public health importance, work–family conflict due to school refusal has scarcely been studied in occupational health. This Opinion reviews existing research on parents of school-refusing children, discusses how occupational health professionals can support this underserved population, and outlines priorities for future research to mitigate the impacts on working-age parents’ health and employment.