How Social Anxiety Can Be A Problem In Children

Studies have shown that social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is a highly common problem in children

. 40% of cases develop between the ages of 0 to 10. Almost all cases of social anxiety start in childhood with only 5% of cases developing after the age of twenty. For parents and teachers social anxiety in children can be difficult to determine since it shares many similarities to basic shyness.

As soon as we're born we receive massive attention from our parents, siblings and grandparents. Babies often grow shy during their first year and become attached to their parents. From a young age babies become more self-aware and inhibited. As babies grow into toddlers they face a new challenge. Now they're making friends with other children and they begin to engage in peer to peer social relationships.

It can be overwhelming and scary for shy children to face a crowd of unfamiliar faces and even more to interact. Another common issue is rejection from other children or social groups. Unfortunately this process can be a reoccurring one right up to adulthood.

Teenagers with social phobia are often seen as different by other children and are frequently bullied and teased for this. They become even more reclusive and are barely noticed. Children are barraged daily with criticism and disapproval by teachers and parents. Children are generally criticized when for negative behavior but rarely praised when demonstrating good behavior. This can add to feelings of inadequacy.

They come to expect from themselves that they are not good enough and grow fearful of being an embarrassment to others. In many cases they fall behind academically in school. Children with social anxiety find it difficult to make friends and build relationships. They might spend most of their time alone at school and in their bedroom when at home.

Parents can be blinded by what is really going on and accept it as difficult phase that will eventually pass. However in most cases they don't and this can become an even bigger problem in adulthood. Young adults are thrown into the deep end; they are expected to provide for themselves and take on the responsibilities of an adult.

Going on dates, public speaking, social gatherings; these are all things that they dread and avoid. Adults may turn to alcohol as a means to help relieve symptoms and inhibitions. Suicide cases and cases of drug abuse are also high in adults as well as children with social phobia. Teachers and parents who suspect a child has this disorder should seek social anxiety treatment as soon as possible.

by: Nathan Tyler

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