I’m writing because I’m concerned about my 13yo son & school refusal. We also have a 15yo daughter who has been diagnosed with anxiety & started to refuse school half way through last year & it deteriorated at the beginning of this year. We tried psychology but it didn’t really help her so she’s started on medication & is doing open access schooling & seems much happier. I think this has unfortunately had a knock on effect with our son. He’s a great kid but is more introverted & finds making new friends difficult. He’s a gamer & spends a lot of time online. He does go out mountain bike riding with his mates which was our attempt to find alternative ways for him to connect with mates other than online. I’ve spoken with him about how important connection with other people is but I honestly don’t know what to do to help him. Should I take away all of his devices in an attempt for him to feel completely bored & hopefully return to school? Or only allow gaming if he goes to school? Just wondering if anyone has info regarding how to best navigate a situation like this. I guess gaming is his safe place but it’s affecting his school attendance & ability to socialise. I feel like signing him up for operation flinders where the kids aren’t able to access the internet & learn life skills. I feel guilty for not being more strict in terms of setting limits on his gaming. Any advice would be appreciated. ... View more