Saed News: In the following, in addition to a brief explanation of social anxiety in children, several effective solutions are also provided for you.
Saed News: According to the Family Health Service of Saed News, when you hear the phrase "social anxiety" in children, what kind of anxiety comes to your mind? Fear of being present and speaking in public? Withdrawing from games or being afraid of facing large groups of people or being in crowded social environments? Sahar Pahlavan Neshan, a child and adolescent psychologist, discusses this issue in our children.
Everyone at the gathering is waiting for Mahya to start! Her mother has praised her for memorizing a new poem, and now it's time to perform and receive a reward. But the little girl firmly refuses to say a single word—especially in front of so many people!
Fear and anxiety about being present and speaking in a group, participating in social games, or being in crowded social settings… Pahlavan Neshan explains: “This is partly true, but Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) includes a broader range of behaviors. This disorder can be generalized or specific. One characteristic of children with social anxiety is their fear of being in a group—not because of the number of people, but because of their fear of being noticed or evaluated.”
An anxious child worries about negative judgment from others and fears rejection. As a result, they don't know how to behave in social situations. The child psychologist explains: “Our child is afraid of making a mistake or saying something incorrect, fearing that others will ridicule them. These concerns can cause them to avoid activities such as reading aloud in class.”
Perfectionist parents who overprotect their child can make it difficult for the child to function properly in social situations. Pahlavan Neshan explains: “For example, in various social situations and interactions with different people, they may not know how to initiate a conversation—should they greet first? Smile? Make eye contact? … They worry about making mistakes and being laughed at by others.”
Additionally, children with a limited vocabulary may struggle to respond appropriately in social situations. For example, when someone greets them or asks how they are, they might not know how to reply. In such cases, using non-verbal behaviors like a military-style salute or clapping can help reduce a child's anxiety.”
Brain imaging of children with social anxiety reveals increased blood flow to the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for processing fear. This heightened blood flow affects the brainstem, regulating the child’s heart rate and breathing. As a result, the child perceives social situations as threatening, leading to anxiety symptoms such as trembling, heart palpitations, dizziness, and severe panic or phobia episodes.
On the other end of the spectrum, some five- or six-year-old children exhibit high social skills. They can easily interact even with strangers, possess an extensive vocabulary, and confidently respond in conversations—even surprising others with their articulate speech over the phone. Such children have acquired these skills more quickly than their age group.
To some extent, this depends on personality. An extroverted child who enjoys new experiences and creative challenges is more likely to seek out social interactions. But how much of this is learned, and how much is innate?
Pahlavan Neshan explains: “For example, a child’s father might have strong social skills, or a close relative may be highly sociable. Some of these traits may be inherited genetically or be a part of a family tendency. Studies suggest that around 15–20% of these traits are influenced by genetics and the family environment. If parents are introverted, their child is more likely to struggle with social anxiety.”
If we suspect that our child has social anxiety, we must find ways to manage it and implement a beneficial plan to help them lead a calm and secure life. Encouraging children to develop self-esteem can be an effective way to reduce social anxiety.
We should also encourage our children to express their thoughts and feelings in front of others while ensuring they receive support from their families. Organizing group and social activities for our children can significantly help them learn more and become more confident in social settings.
Additionally, we should strive to think and speak positively so that our children do not learn negativity and anxiety from us. By maintaining an aware and informed attitude, we can teach them how to handle situations that might cause stress, pressure, or anxiety.
