According to Kids Health, students with social anxiety are self-conscious and have a fear of being embarrassed in social settings. This fear causes them to feel anxious about participating in socially based activities. Students have social anxiety for a plethora of reasons, moving to a new school, starting school in a class with students they don’t know, or just being shy. As parents, it is important to us to provide our children with well-rounded experiences. To help ease their social anxiety at school, there are a few steps to take to help them overcome social anxiety.
School Counselor
The school counselor is a great resource because they typically have programs in place to assist students with adjusting to the school environment. The names of the programs may vary by school. Buddy Programs
Students are paired with another student to help new students, or students in general, get accustomed to the school. This program includes peer bonding, helping navigate the school, and academic support. The benefits of this program help reduce social anxiety and create a sense of belonging.
Social Skills Workshop
School counselors often have workshops tailored to the needs of the students. These workshops also help students create friendship bonds.
Outside of school, there are opportunities for parents to help their child(ren) adjust to new social settings. Attending summer camps, joining Facebook Groups, and attending school events.
Summer Camps
Attending summer camps is a great way for kids to meet one another. Camp Counselors create a safe space for kids to be themselves while interacting with other kids. Most camps have a specific number of students permitted and that number is divided among the camp counselors. The idea of camp may be overwhelming, but in regards to the social setting and helping kids interact with one another is similar to the school setting.
Facebook Social Groups
Using social media is a great way to meet other parents. There is likely a Facebook Group for your community. Within those groups, there are parents seeking playdates for their children. You could meet other parents who have children with social anxiety. It is a great way to build a community for you and child(ren).
School Events
Attending school events with your children helps them become more acclimated to the school and their peers. It also creates an opportunity to create relationships with their teachers and counselors. As the parent, you can guide your student by engaging with other students. You can start by encouraging others to play or join others. Their parents are nearby, so it provides an opportunity to socialize with their parents; it is a great way to model what social interaction with others looks like.
Hopefully, the tips above provide some insight into how to help your children overcome social anxiety. It is not an easy task because social anxiety can become overwhelming, but with small steps and practice, your child(ren) will overcome it.
