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Teenager refuses to go to college.

180 replies

Aghhhhhhhhhh · 14/01/2026 10:10

Posting in AIBU for traffic.

My 16 year old DS is doing his 1st year A levels at the college in the neighbouring city (small town) he could gone to 6th form attached to his school but they 'didnt do the courses he wanted to do' which ironically the ones he wanted to do he doesnt apparently want to do them now.

Everyday is a struggle to get him there on time or even at all. He will refuse to get out of bed and then move at a speed that would make a snail look like a cheetah, so he inevitably misses the bus over and over again. Hes constantly staying up all night on the console/laptop/phone. Becomes incredibly verbally aggressive towards me, calling me names and being downright vile.

I've rang college in the past as he was put on the attendance watch list he was actually flagged straight to the head master due to it! Changed his time table so he only has 1 early start a week but he just cannot be bothered.
Told him he needs to get a job then or change his college course. He wont. Hes so entitled.

He does have Autism. And he does significantly struggle with a lot of things. But alot of these struggles are from laziness and refusing to get better sleep etc

Any advice? What can I ask college to do to help? I dont want him to throw his future away, i want him to do better than me in life.

OP posts:
EmeraldShamrock000 · 14/01/2026 10:26

Definitely turn off the WiFi.

Teenager’s fall asleep in my daughter’s classroom as they’re up all night playing games. Majority have ASD. One friend in particular has changed drastically from lack of sleep and eating crap, online all night, her skin is covered in acne, she’s is 3/4 stone heavier.
The internet is a mess for teenagers without boundaries or outside activities.,
Reward him for going, refuse to help him with anything if he doesn’t.

takealettermsjones · 14/01/2026 10:24

Well I can't speak to the autism so hopefully someone more informed can advise on that aspect but for a start I'd turn off the WiFi at night, and I'd stop paying for his phone.

Present it as a very logical two-way exchange. If you want A and B from me then I expect C and D from you.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 14/01/2026 10:22

Why don’t you understand his condition?

Hes refusing school due to anxiety and overwhelm not laziness.

Hes sleeping late as ND are wired to be nightowls.

Try understanding him first.

LIZS · 14/01/2026 10:21

Who funds his lifestyle? Maybe cut back to bare minimum, so cost of getting to college when he goes. There will be minimum attendance required or he will be withdrawn from the courses.

randomchap · 14/01/2026 10:19

Remove the router at night, and stop paying for his phone