What are Ontario's new school attendance rules for 2026–27?

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, Ontario has introduced new requirements that include attendance and participation as part of secondary students' final grades. Attendance and participation account for 15% of the final grade in Grades 9 and 10 and 10% in Grades 11 and 12. The Ministry provides further guidance about how these requirements are applied.

Where can parents find information about mental-health-related absences?

Ontario's PPM 169 on Student Mental Health contains specific Ministry direction regarding situations in which students are unable to attend school because of mental-health concerns. Parents can consult the current Ministry policy and speak with their teen's school about how it applies in their circumstances.

Should I let my teenager stay home from school if they have anxiety?

There isn't one answer for every teenager. A teen may sometimes be unable to attend because of a significant mental-health concern. In other circumstances, repeatedly avoiding school because it reduces anxiety can make returning increasingly difficult. Understanding what is driving the attendance problem is important before deciding how best to respond.

Can avoiding school make anxiety worse?

It can. Avoiding something that causes anxiety often provides immediate relief, which can reinforce avoidance and make the feared situation feel even more difficult the next time. This is why treatment for anxiety often involves helping young people gradually approach feared situations in a supported and manageable way.

What should I do if I have questions about how the new rules apply to my teenager?

The Ontario Ministry of Education provides current guidance about the new attendance and participation requirements. Parents can also speak with their teen's school or school board about how the requirements apply to their particular circumstances.

Can a teenager return to school gradually when anxiety is affecting attendance?

Sometimes a gradual approach may be appropriate. School Mental Health Ontario identifies graduated-entry planning as one potential support for students experiencing school-related anxiety. The appropriate approach will depend on the individual teenager and should be developed with relevant school personnel where possible.

Anxiety Management

Anxiety Assessments | Adolescent and Teen Mental Health | Anxiety Management | Online Therapy Sessions

Ontario’s New 2026–27 School Attendance Rules: What Parents of Teens With Anxiety Need to Know
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff September 17, 2026September 17, 2026

Ontario has introduced new attendance and participation requirements for secondary school students beginning in the 2026–27 school year. For parents of a teenager whose anxiety already affects school attendance, these changes may understandably raise questions. What happens when anxiety makes it difficult for a teenager to get to school? How should parents respond when their…

Read More Ontario’s New 2026–27 School Attendance Rules: What Parents of Teens With Anxiety Need to Know
Teens and OCD | Anxiety Assessments | Anxiety Management | OCD and Family Work | OCD Assessments

Where Can a Teenager Get an Anxiety or OCD Assessment in Ontario? A Parent’s Guide
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff September 12, 2026

When a teenager is experiencing panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, intense worry, compulsive behaviours or increasing avoidance, parents often know that something is wrong before they know exactly what it is. The next question is often practical: Where do we go to get this assessed? In Ontario, there are several possible starting points. A teenager may…

Read More Where Can a Teenager Get an Anxiety or OCD Assessment in Ontario? A Parent’s Guide
Adolescent and Teen Mental Health | Anxiety Management | OCD | Online Therapy Sessions | Teens and OCD

My Teen Is Struggling in School: Is It Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, or OCD?
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff September 6, 2026September 6, 2026

When a teenager begins struggling at school, it can be difficult for parents to know what is happening. Maybe assignments are piling up, grades have dropped, homework is taking hours, or getting out the door in the morning has become increasingly difficult. A teen who once managed reasonably well may suddenly seem overwhelmed by demands…

Read More My Teen Is Struggling in School: Is It Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, or OCD?
Anxiety Management | Mental Health Assessments | Psychodiagnostic Assessments

Health Anxiety and the Googling Trap: Breaking the Reassurance Loop
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff August 16, 2026

You notice a headache that feels slightly different than usual. You wonder whether it could mean something serious, so you search your symptoms online. At first, the information seems reassuring. Then you notice a rare condition listed among the possibilities. You open another page. Then another. Before long, you are comparing symptoms, checking your body,…

Read More Health Anxiety and the Googling Trap: Breaking the Reassurance Loop
Anxiety Management | Autism Assessments | OCD | OCD Related Disorders | OCD Therapy | Online Therapy Sessions

Is It OCD or Just Anxiety? How to Tell the Difference
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff August 7, 2026

Many people ask themselves, “Is this OCD or just anxiety?” It is one of the most common questions psychologists hear, and for good reason. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can look remarkably similar. Both can involve distressing thoughts, doubts, uncertainty, repetitive “what if” questions, reassurance seeking, and significant anxiety. Because both conditions…

Read More Is It OCD or Just Anxiety? How to Tell the Difference
Anxiety Management | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | General | Online Therapy Sessions

Finding a CBT Therapist in Calgary for Anxiety: What to Know About Virtual Therapy Options
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff May 17, 2026September 21, 2026

Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. When anxiety begins affecting work, relationships, daily functioning, or day-to-day wellbeing, many people reach a point where they realize they may need additional support. At the same time, starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to decide what type of therapy…

Read More Finding a CBT Therapist in Calgary for Anxiety: What to Know About Virtual Therapy Options
Anxiety Management | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Why You Can’t “Just Relax” — What People With Anxiety Wish You Understood
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff April 15, 2026May 4, 2026

Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. Many people struggling with anxiety have heard some version of the same advice: “Just relax.” While often well-intentioned, this advice can feel confusing or frustrating for those living with and experiencing symptoms of anxiety. Some individuals find themselves asking, “Why can’t I relax even…

Read More Why You Can’t “Just Relax” — What People With Anxiety Wish You Understood
Anxiety Management | Adolescent and Teen Mental Health

When School Refusal Isn’t About Laziness: Recognizing Anxiety in Teens
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff March 4, 2026September 21, 2026

Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. When a teenager refuses to go to school, it can quickly become one of the most stressful situations a family faces. Parents often find themselves asking difficult questions: Why does my teenager refuse to go to school? Is this normal teenage behaviour? Are they…

Read More When School Refusal Isn’t About Laziness: Recognizing Anxiety in Teens
Anxiety Management | Online Therapy Sessions

Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How Online Anxiety Therapy Can Help You Feel Better!
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff May 31, 2025December 21, 2025

Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. Have you been feeling overwhelmed by feelings of worry and dread? Does your mind seem to get stuck on thoughts that are difficult to get rid of? Anxiety therapy online might be something you want to consider! Anxiety can also focus on a lot…

Read More Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How Online Anxiety Therapy Can Help You Feel Better!
Adolescent and Teen Mental Health | Anxiety Management

Understanding and Supporting Teens with Anxiety: 5 Helpful Strategies
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff November 5, 2024November 13, 2024

Anxiety treatment has been shown to be extremely effective for teens with anxiety when evidence-based interventions are implemented. That is the good news! However, it is extremely concerning information for parents and teachers that anxiety in teenagers appears to be increasing. The National Institutes of Health reported that approximately 1 in 3 adolescents, between the…

Read More Understanding and Supporting Teens with Anxiety: 5 Helpful Strategies
Anxiety Management | Adolescent and Teen Mental Health

Helping Parents and Teachers Recognize and Address Anxiety in Teens: Back to School Transitions
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff September 2, 2024September 18, 2024

Back to school can be a challenging time for teens and parents alike. The pace of summer allows individuals to slow things down and not be as preoccupied with school obligations, homework and extracurricular activities. Teens might be excited to see old friends but can also be worried about new teachers and new classes. The…

Read More Helping Parents and Teachers Recognize and Address Anxiety in Teens: Back to School Transitions
Adolescent and Teen Mental Health | Anxiety Management | OCD | OCD and Family Work | OCD Therapy | Teens and OCD

Adolescent Counseling: The Many Ways You Can Help Your Teen!
ByDr. Marlene Taube-Schiff March 6, 2024July 7, 2025

Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. Engaging in adolescent counseling during times of growth and transformation can prove to be extremely beneficial for youth. Teens are rapidly changing during the period of adolescent development. This includes changes in their physical appearance, emotional insight and thought processes. Teens also mature and…

Read More Adolescent Counseling: The Many Ways You Can Help Your Teen!