What Are the Common Causes of Social Anxiety in Children?

Although the causes of social anxiety in children are not definitively established by the scientific community, it is suspected that genetics, environment and life experiences play a role. Studies of identical twins have found that anxiety disorders often appear in both children, suggesting that there is a genetic cause for the disorder. It is suspected that children who are raised in secluded or socially isolated surroundings might grow to avoid or fear social situations. Traumatic experiences at school or other social situations also might cause social anxiety in children. Treatments for the disorder typically focus on reducing the anxiety through examining thoughts and fears.

Genetic factors are thought to play a role in social anxiety in children. Studies have examined irritable babies who later became shy as toddlers and exhibited socially introverted tendencies during grade school and beyond. Observation of social anxiety in twins also suggests that the cause might be physiological. If one twin suffers from anxiety, it is highly likely that the second twin also will experience the same symptoms. The challenge rests, however, in isolating genetics from social surroundings or environmental factors.

Upbringing is suspected to play a role in the development of social anxiety in children. Parents who limit opportunities for social interaction might instill a fear of people in their children. A parent crossing the street to avoid other pedestrians, turning down social invitations and showing nervousness in social situations might leave an impression on young children. Without regular exposure to social activities, some children experience shyness and anxiety around others.

Child abuse and emotional neglect also are connected to social anxiety in children. Children who have been institutionalized, been abandoned by their parents or experienced parental death or divorce are more likely to experience anxiety disorders. Strong connections have been found particularly between emotional neglect and social anxiety. Parental neglect, traumatic experiences such as physical or sexual abuse and little empathy or support from others have been suspected as causal factors.

Treatment for social anxiety in children typically focuses on reducing the feelings of anxiety. A child might have exaggerated beliefs about others disliking him or her, or he or she might avoid speaking in class for fear of making a mistake. In therapy, the counselor typically guides the child through analyzing the situation and examining thoughts. Introducing other possible interpretations of social events and incidents is a common way of guiding children who have this disorder and reducing their social anxiety. If the anxiety is extreme and interferes with normal functioning, psychiatrists sometimes prescribe anti-anxiety medications.