Phobias are common in childhood and adolescence. A child or young person may refuse to attend school, avoid certain situations, become distressed in the presence of a feared object or situation, or ask parents to manage situations on their behalf. These patterns can affect daily life, family routines and school attendance. A guide cannot diagnose a phobia or determine whether a child's avoidance is clinically significant. Fear is a normal part of development. Young children commonly fear the dark, animals, strangers or loud noises. Older children and adolescents may develop more specific fears. Not all childhood fears become phobias, and many resolve without clinical intervention. A guide cannot determine whether a particular fear is developmentally typical or clinically significant. An assessment can consider the child's age, developmental history, the pattern of avoidance, the impact on daily life and family functioning, and any other relevant factors. Parental accommodation, where parents reduce a child's exposure to a feared situation or provide repeated reassurance, can be a natural response to a child's distress. Over time, it can also maintain the pattern of avoidance. A guide cannot advise on how to respond to a child's fear in a specific situation. That is a clinical question that depends on individual assessment. In West London, CAMHS access arrangements and waiting times vary by service. Families may wish to check current information directly with the relevant NHS provider. Private assessment and therapy can be an option for families who want to discuss their child's experience without waiting. CBT with an exposure component may be considered after individual assessment where a phobia is affecting a child's daily life. Exposure based work should be planned with a suitably qualified clinician after discussion of the rationale, alternatives, safety and pacing. A guide is not a self directed programme for parents or children. For related information, see phobia therapy at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/phobias/, the phobias comprehensive guide at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/phobias comprehensive guide/, phobias at work and daily life at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/phobias work daily life/ and phobias and relationships at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/phobias relationships daily life/. If there is immediate danger, thoughts of self harm, an inability to stay safe or a sudden marked deterioration, call 999, attend A&E or use urgent local crisis or medical support.