Social Anxiety

Social anxiety in primary school-age children is common and can be challenging for both the child and their caregivers. It refers to feelings of nervousness, fear, or worry about social interactions and situations, which can be more intense or frequent then typical shyness. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Signs and Symptoms

• Avoidance of social situations: A child may avoid certain activities, such as group games, speaking in front of the class, or attending birthday parties.
• Physical symptoms: Complaints of stomach-aches, headaches, or other physical issues when faced with social situations.
• Difficulty making friends: They may struggle to initiate or maintain friendships because of fear of rejection.
• Excessive worry: Worrying about upcoming social situations, such as school events, playdates, or classroom activities.
• Low self-esteem: A child with social anxiety might have a poor self-image or feel that they do not fit in with their peers.

2. Causes

• Temperament: Some children are naturally more sensitive or introverted (through nature or nurture), which might make them more prone to feeling anxious in social settings.
• Past experiences: If a child has experienced bullying, rejection, or failure in social situations, it may lead to the development of anxiety.
• Environmental factors: Overprotective or critical parenting, mental health issues or a lack of social exposure, can contribute to anxiety.

3. Impact on Development

• Academic performance: Anxiety can interfere with a child’s ability to participate in class discussions or complete work when asked to do so in front of others.
• Peer relationships: Struggling to make friends or avoid social situations can result in loneliness or isolation.
• Emotional development: Long-term anxiety can affect a child's self-esteem and overall emotional development, leading to more serious anxiety issues in adolescence or adulthood.

What can we do to support Children to manage their Social Anxiety?

• Encourage gradual exposure: Help the child face social situations step by step, starting with smaller, less intimidating scenarios and gradually building up to more challenging ones.
• Positive reinforcement: Praise the child for taking small social risks, even if the outcome is not perfect. This can help build confidence.
• Model social behaviours: Children often learn by observing adults. Demonstrating positive social interactions can give them a model to follow.
• Teach coping strategies: Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or positive self-talk can help children manage feelings of anxiety.
• Create a supportive environment: Make sure the school environment is supportive. Teachers and staff can help by creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing the child with extra time to adjust to new social situations.

Supporting a child with social anxiety can be tough and it often takes a joined-up approach between home and school to help move forward positively.  If you are concerned about your child’s social anxiety, speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance (or your school SENCo.)  

If you are a staff member in one of our partner schools in Plymouth or Devon and would like to learn more about supporting children (and their families) to manage anxiety, then liaise with your MAST link educational psychologist or book onto one of our CPD courses on anxiety.