Health factors impacting children's school performance

Medical experts are highlighting key physical and psychological factors that can impact a child's academic success and school engagement.

Dr. Volkan Şahin from Karadeniz Technical University notes that school refusal is a complex issue often linked to separation anxiety disorder, peer bullying, performance anxiety, or past trauma. Symptoms can include physical complaints like stomach aches or nausea, as well as emotional outbursts such as anger or crying when it is time for school.

Additionally, ophthalmologist Dr. Berna Baş warns that undiagnosed vision problems can be mistaken for laziness or attention deficits. Because children may not realize their vision is blurry, parents should watch for behavioral signals such as squinting, sitting too close to screens, frequent eye rubbing, or headaches after reading. Correcting these physical issues with eyewear can significantly improve a student's ability to follow lessons and maintain academic performance.