Mornings in many homes look similar: rush, breakfast and… struggle to get your child to school. Sometimes your little one cries, complains of a stomach ache or headache, and all excuses have one purpose: to avoid leaving the house. What to do when a child does not want to go to school? There can be many reasons for this behavior, and one of them is social phobia.
What is social phobia?
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety, is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear of social situations. People with social phobia fear evaluation by others, ridicule, humiliation or negative reaction. In the case of children, this anxiety can manifest as a reluctance to go to school, avoidance of contact with peers and even difficulty responding in class.
Symptoms of social phobia in children
Social phobia in children can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Anxiety about going to school: the child may cry, complain of stomach or headaches, vomit, or even panic at the thought of having to go to school.
- Avoiding contact with peers: the child may isolate himself from other children, avoid playing in a group, and even be afraid to talk to classmates.
- Difficulty responding in class: a child may be afraid to come forward to answer, read aloud, or present his work in front of the class, even if he knows the answer.
- Low self-esteem: the child may have a negative self-image, consider himself inferior to others and avoid situations where he might be judged.
- Physical symptoms: anxiety may be accompanied by somatic symptoms, such as palpitations, hand tremors, sweating, nausea, dizziness.
Why does social phobia make it difficult to go to school?
School is a place where a child encounters many social challenges. He has to establish relationships with peers, cooperate in a group, deal with the pressure of grades and public appearances. For a child with social phobia, these situations are a source of great stress and anxiety.
The school can be seen as:
- A place of evaluation and criticism: the child is afraid of being judged negatively by teachers or peers, of making a mistake or saying something stupid.
- Sources of rejection: the child fears that he will be rejected by peers, that he will not find friends and will be lonely.
- Competitive arena: the child may feel inferior to others, fear failure and avoid situations where he or she might be compared with others.
What should you do if you suspect social phobia in your child?
If you notice symptoms of social phobia in your child, don’t ignore them. The sooner you take action, the better the chance of effective help. Here are some steps to take:
- Talk to your child: listen to his concerns, show understanding and support. Don’t downplay his anxiety, but don’t give in to it either.
- Consult a specialist: a child psychologist or psychotherapist will help diagnose the problem and choose an appropriate treatment method.
- Cooperate with the school: inform the educator about the child’s problems and together work out strategies to help the child cope with anxiety at school.
- Support your child in overcoming his anxiety: gradually encourage him to face social situations, praise him for his progress and build his self-esteem.
How is social phobia treated?
Treatment of social phobia in children usually includes psychotherapy and, in some cases, pharmacotherapy. The most effective method of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches the child to recognize and modify negative thoughts and beliefs, and gradually become accustomed to anxiety.
How to help a child with social phobia at school?
Support from the school is crucial for a child with social phobia. Here are some ways the school can help:
- Creating a safe and friendly atmosphere: it is important that the child feels accepted and safe at school. Teachers should pay attention to relationships between students and respond to any signs of aggression or exclusion.
- Individualized approach to the student: teachers should be aware of the child’s problems and adapt their working methods to his needs. They can, for example, avoid putting him in the center of attention, give him more time for answers, offer alternative forms of testing knowledge.
- Cooperation with parents: regular contact with parents will allow monitoring the child’s progress and jointly developing strategies to deal with anxiety.
- Peer education: it is worth making students aware of social phobia and encouraging empathy and support for a classmate or colleague struggling with this problem.
Remember!
Reluctance to go to school can have various causes. Social phobia is just one of them. It’s important to observe your child, talk to him or her and seek help from specialists if your child’s behavior causes you concern. Early intervention and appropriate support can help your child overcome anxiety and enjoy life to the fullest.
