It very often does – at least in the short term. For young people who are already overwhelmed, avoidant, or have experienced significant educational failure, pressure tends to deepen resistance and damage the relationship between parent and child.

This does not mean ignoring the issue or having no expectations. It means stepping back from direct pressure on attendance or performance, focusing instead on relationship and wellbeing, and working gradually towards re-engagement on the young person’s terms.

The goal is sustainable progress, not compliance. A young person who re-engages because they want to will go much further than one who does so because they felt forced.