Is my child socially anxious or just shy?
Announcement posted by Anxiety House 10 Mar 2015
Too much time online is helping facilitate growth in the number of children suffering from social anxiety, according to clinical psychologist Dr Emily O’Leary of Anxiety House, Brisbane.
Dr O’Leary said recent studies have identified that a growing dependence on social media and online communication is allowing children to become more socially isolated and contributing to an increase in social anxiety disorders.
“For socially anxious kids, their computer screen acts almost like a safety blanket, and when that is taken away from them in normal face-to-face social situations, they can struggle to cope,” she said.
Dr O’Leary said while some shyness or sense of nervousness in social situations is an entirely normal part of growing up, parents should be on the look-out for anti-social behaviours that could point to a more serious anxiety disorder known as social phobia.
“If your child’s distress over social situations begins to disrupt and interfere with their daily activities, social relationships, development of important social skills, or concentration on school work, it’s likely they are suffering from social anxiety,” said Dr O’Leary.
She said it can be difficult for parents and teachers to identify the warning signs of a social anxiety disorder.
“Typical shyness and social anxiety share many characteristics, so knowing when the problem is serious can be tricky.
"It’s really a matter of severity and recognising when a child is so overwhelmed by their nerves or worries that it begins to impact on their everyday life or causes extreme distress.
“Young people with social anxiety often fear they will say or do the wrong thing in front of others, or be the subject of humiliation, embarrassment or negative judgement and ridicule.
“Their fear is usually so powerful that they initiate extreme precautionary avoidance tactics of their feared social situations, which could include speaking out in groups, attending birthday parties, eating or writing in front of people, using public amenities, or speaking to people in authoritative positions.
“It can also affect them physically, to the point where their heart may begin to race and they may tend to blush, stutter or feel light-headed and sweaty.”
Dr O’Leary said that it is important that social anxiety in young people is addressed as soon as the symptoms can be identified, because if left untreated, the disorder may worsen and carry across into their adult life.
“The first step for parents is talking to your child about their fears, but being careful not to deliberately force them to confront their fears in front of others, as this may only increase their humiliation and make matters worse,” she said.
For parents wondering whether their child’s social awkwardness is ‘normal’ or a cause for concern, Dr O’Leary is hosting a “Shyness or Social Anxiety” information night on Tuesday, March 31 at Bulimba Golf Club from 6.30pm.
For more information and to register, please visit www.anxietyhouse.com.au or call the clinic directly on (07) 3041 1164.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristie Welsh, Communicated, Ph: 0402 485 166; Email: kristie@communicated.com.au
Dr O’Leary said recent studies have identified that a growing dependence on social media and online communication is allowing children to become more socially isolated and contributing to an increase in social anxiety disorders.
“For socially anxious kids, their computer screen acts almost like a safety blanket, and when that is taken away from them in normal face-to-face social situations, they can struggle to cope,” she said.
Dr O’Leary said while some shyness or sense of nervousness in social situations is an entirely normal part of growing up, parents should be on the look-out for anti-social behaviours that could point to a more serious anxiety disorder known as social phobia.
“If your child’s distress over social situations begins to disrupt and interfere with their daily activities, social relationships, development of important social skills, or concentration on school work, it’s likely they are suffering from social anxiety,” said Dr O’Leary.
She said it can be difficult for parents and teachers to identify the warning signs of a social anxiety disorder.
“Typical shyness and social anxiety share many characteristics, so knowing when the problem is serious can be tricky.
"It’s really a matter of severity and recognising when a child is so overwhelmed by their nerves or worries that it begins to impact on their everyday life or causes extreme distress.
“Young people with social anxiety often fear they will say or do the wrong thing in front of others, or be the subject of humiliation, embarrassment or negative judgement and ridicule.
“Their fear is usually so powerful that they initiate extreme precautionary avoidance tactics of their feared social situations, which could include speaking out in groups, attending birthday parties, eating or writing in front of people, using public amenities, or speaking to people in authoritative positions.
“It can also affect them physically, to the point where their heart may begin to race and they may tend to blush, stutter or feel light-headed and sweaty.”
Dr O’Leary said that it is important that social anxiety in young people is addressed as soon as the symptoms can be identified, because if left untreated, the disorder may worsen and carry across into their adult life.
“The first step for parents is talking to your child about their fears, but being careful not to deliberately force them to confront their fears in front of others, as this may only increase their humiliation and make matters worse,” she said.
For parents wondering whether their child’s social awkwardness is ‘normal’ or a cause for concern, Dr O’Leary is hosting a “Shyness or Social Anxiety” information night on Tuesday, March 31 at Bulimba Golf Club from 6.30pm.
For more information and to register, please visit www.anxietyhouse.com.au or call the clinic directly on (07) 3041 1164.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristie Welsh, Communicated, Ph: 0402 485 166; Email: kristie@communicated.com.au