Social anxiety is an inconvenient disorder in many situations in life. But for a student, it can be especially difficult. School is a place where social interaction is not only expected but required. It is a place where being judged and criticized by others is routine, and where struggling to cope with social situations and feedback can result in negative feedback that makes it more challenging to overcome social stresses.
This article will discuss the various challenges posed at school for students with social anxiety, and how to handle them.
Problems Associated With School Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder at school can be a serious problem. It is also one that is self-sustaining. Below, we'll take a look at some of the reasons that people experience social anxiety at school.
The following are some examples of both ways the ways that children experience school anxiety and what happens if it goes untreated:
Going to Class/Absences
Attending class means being forced into in a room full of other students for hours at a time, every day.
In most social situations, you are free to excuse yourself when anxiety becomes overwhelming. In school, there is no such opportunity. At best, the child has to sit in the classroom and focus on your anxiety. At worst, the children may be forced to make up excuses to leave, causing further shame.
In the classroom, there is also an expectation of social interaction. Outside of the classroom (such as a grocery store or library) no such expectation is present. That leaves those with social anxiety knowing and dreading heading to school.
Social anxiety can also be compounded by the behaviors students take to avoid it. Students that do not talk to anyone, avoid class, or find ways to leave the room during periods of anxiety may:
- Experience social stigmatization.
- Struggle to keep up with schoolwork (leading to more stress).
- Fail to develop close friendships.
All of these issues can lead to recurring social anxiety that is fueled even further by the behaviors that students use to avoid it.
