Helping Shy Kids: Why young children need extra support for social anxiety
Social anxiety causes intense fear in social situations, like talking to others or being around them. This anxiety changes with age, affecting how kids handle mistakes.
A study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry examined 214 children aged 7 to 17. Researchers tested how well these kids focused after making mistakes during a computer game. The results showed that younger kids under 11, especially those with social anxiety, struggled to refocus. In contrast, older kids, 11 and above, recovered their focus more easily.
Social anxiety often makes people overreact to mistakes, causing panic and distraction. However, the study suggests that as kids grow, their ability to move on from mistakes improves. Older children with social anxiety show better cognitive control, helping them refocus on tasks.
These findings highlight the need to offer younger kids with social anxiety extra support. Since they lack coping skills, they rely more on guidance from parents, teachers, and friends. As children mature, their ability to handle mistakes independently strengthens.
The study emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatment for social anxiety based on a child’s age. Younger kids benefit from reassurance and patient support, while older children may need strategies to reinforce their growing ability to manage anxiety.
Understanding how social anxiety changes with age can improve how caregivers and mental health professionals support children. With the right help, kids can develop better emotional resilience and focus, no matter their age.
