Group 1 - The core issue of school refusal among adolescents is increasingly prevalent, with 14.8% of surveyed youth showing varying degrees of depression risk according to the "China National Mental Health Development Report (2021-2022)" [1] - The report indicates that adolescents with depression or anxiety risks have a significantly higher tendency to express school refusal thoughts, with 20.2% and 45.4% of those at mild and high risk respectively frequently not wanting to attend school [1] - A global phenomenon, school refusal is not limited to East Asia or specific academic performance levels, as even high-achieving students in prestigious universities experience mental health issues [7][8] Group 2 - The underlying causes of school refusal are multifaceted, including peer bullying, poor relationships with teachers, sensitivity to evaluation systems, and potential family trauma [5] - Research shows that school refusal behavior can be a normal response to unpleasant or hostile environments, highlighting the need for a broader understanding of the issue [13][20] - A model of factors influencing school refusal includes academic pressure, negative home environments, and external influences like gaming and idol selection competitions [20] Group 3 - The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated issues of anxiety and depression among students, with reports indicating a significant increase in disruptive behaviors and absenteeism since the pandemic began [23][24] - The pandemic has led to a decrease in parental support and limited social interactions, contributing to feelings of loneliness and academic decline among students [25][27] - The mental health impact of the pandemic on adolescents is profound, with many experiencing heightened anxiety and depression due to disrupted developmental processes [27][28] Group 4 - The perception of school refusal often carries stigma, with adults frequently attributing it to personal failings of the child rather than considering environmental and familial factors [10][12] - Many parents may not recognize their role in their child's mental health struggles until the child exhibits severe refusal behaviors, indicating a need for greater awareness and understanding [29][40] - The complexity of school refusal necessitates a holistic approach that considers the emotional needs of both the child and the parents, rather than viewing the child solely as a problem to be solved [38][39]

Group 1 - The increasing trend of school refusal among younger children highlights a growing concern in the educational and psychological landscape [1][2] - School refusal is often misinterpreted as laziness or rebellion, but it reflects deeper psychological struggles and family dynamics [1][2] - Understanding the underlying causes of school refusal is essential for effective intervention and support [1][9] Group 2 - Five core reasons for school refusal include: 1. Overwhelming pressure from academic demands, peer competition, and parental expectations leading to avoidance behavior [2] 2. A lack of belonging, where negative social experiences transform school from a supportive environment to a source of stress [3] 3. A collapse of self-efficacy, where repeated academic failures lead to a belief in one's inability to succeed [4] 4. A loss of meaning in education when external goals overshadow personal interests [5] 5. Hidden expressions of psychological trauma or disorders, such as anxiety or ADHD, manifesting as school refusal [7][6] Group 3 - Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to school refusal due to ongoing brain development, especially in areas responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control [8] - The immaturity of the prefrontal cortex makes it difficult for adolescents to manage stress rationally, often resulting in impulsive avoidance behaviors [8] - Increased pressure from parents can exacerbate the situation, leading to stronger resistance and emotional turmoil in children [8]

Group 1 - The article discusses the increasing number of students experiencing depression and school refusal, highlighting the societal misunderstandings surrounding these issues [1][3][20] - A psychologist, Li Wei, emphasizes that the root causes of these problems often lie within the family dynamics rather than the children themselves [5][14][44] - The impact of the pandemic on children's social skills and mental health is significant, with many losing the ability to form friendships [4][22][21] Group 2 - Li Wei suggests that addressing basic needs such as eating, sleeping, and exercising can be the first steps in helping these children [37][40][41] - The article illustrates various case studies of children suffering from severe mental health issues, often linked to their family environments [12][13][56] - The importance of family involvement in the healing process is highlighted, with examples showing how parental support can lead to significant improvements in children's mental health [45][50][58]