Social anxiety is a common experience for many children and teens, often leaving them feeling nervous or fearful in social situations. Whether it’s speaking up in class, attending a birthday party, or making new friends, these experiences can be overwhelming. While it’s normal to feel shy or anxious occasionally, social anxiety can become a barrier to a young person’s social development if not addressed.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is more than just feeling nervous before a big event. It’s the intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings, leading to avoidance of situations that may trigger this anxiety. It can affect many areas of life, including school, friendships, and extracurricular activities.

Symptoms of social anxiety in kids and teens can include:

  • Excessive worry about being judged by others
  • Avoiding social situations or school events
  • Physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or upset stomach
  • Difficulty talking to peers or adults
  • Low self-esteem or fear of saying something wrong

If your child or teen is experiencing these feelings regularly, they may be struggling with social anxiety.

Why Do Kids and Teens Experience Social Anxiety?

There are several reasons why a child or teen may develop social anxiety:

  • Genetics: Anxiety can run in families, so a child may inherit a predisposition to anxiety disorders.
  • Environment: Growing up in an environment with high expectations or a lack of social skills can contribute to anxiety.
  • Negative Social Experiences: Bullying, teasing, or past social failures may make a child fearful of repeating those experiences.
  • Perfectionism: Teens who set high standards for themselves may worry about making mistakes or looking foolish in front of others.

How Can You Help Your Child Manage Social Anxiety?

As a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in supporting your child or teen through social anxiety. Here are some strategies to help them cope and build confidence:

1. Validate Their Feelings

Let your child know that their anxiety is real and understandable. Avoid dismissing their worries or minimizing their feelings. Instead, say things like, “I can see why you feel nervous. It’s okay to feel that way.”

2. Teach Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can help your child calm their nervous system. Practice these techniques together so they feel empowered to use them when anxiety strikes.

3. Gradual Exposure to Social Situations

Start with small, low-pressure situations and gradually work up to more challenging social scenarios. For example, practice having short conversations with family members before heading to a larger group event. Celebrate small successes along the way.

4. Role-Playing and Social Skills Training

Help your child rehearse social situations through role-playing. Teach them basic social skills, like making eye contact, introducing themselves, or starting a conversation. Practicing these skills in a safe environment can boost their confidence.

5. Encourage Self-Compassion

Social anxiety often leads to negative self-talk. Encourage your child to be kind to themselves and avoid harsh self-judgment. Let them know that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay not to be perfect in social situations.

6. Create a Supportive Environment

Let your child know that they’re supported and loved, regardless of their social struggles. Whether it’s offering encouragement before a social event or helping them talk through a challenging experience afterward, your ongoing support can make a big difference.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these strategies can be effective in managing social anxiety, some children and teens may need additional support. If anxiety is severely impacting their ability to participate in daily activities or their overall well-being, seeking professional help is important. A psychologist or therapist specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can work with your child to address the root causes of their anxiety and teach coping strategies tailored to their needs.

At the Calgary Mental Health & Wellness Centre, our team of experts is here to provide support for kids and teens struggling with anxiety. We offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT and mindfulness-based techniques, to help children and teens build resilience and confidence.

Supporting Your Child’s Journey to Confidence

Social anxiety is not something that kids or teens need to face alone. With your support, the right strategies, and professional guidance, they can manage their anxiety and thrive socially. By creating a safe and understanding space at home, practicing skills, and seeking help when needed, your child can navigate their social world with greater confidence and ease.

If you’d like to explore how we can support your child in overcoming social anxiety, book a free 20-minute consultation with us today. We’re here to help!