What Teachers Should Know Social phobia (also called social anxiety) is a type of anxiety disorder. Extreme feelings of shyness and self-consciousness build into a powerful fear for people with social phobia. As a result, they feel uncomfortable participating in everyday social situations, like meeting new people, talking among groups, or speaking in public. People with social phobia can usually interact easily with family and a few close friends, but fear of embarrassment gets in the way of life Social phobia is a fear reaction to something that isn't actually dangerous — although the body and mind react as if the danger is real. This means people with the disorder actually feel the physical sensations of fear, like a faster heartbeat and breathing. They're more sensitive to fears that they'll be embarrassed, look foolish, make a mistake, or be judged, criticized, or laughed at. This leads them to avoid these social situations. Some kids and teens with social phobia are so extremely shy and so fearful about talking to others, that they don't speak at all to certain people (such as teachers or students they don't know) or in certain places (like at someone else's house). This form of social phobia is sometimes called selective mutism. Social phobia is treatable, and therapists can create plans to help students cope. Medicines may be prescribed to help ease the anxiety. Students with social phobia may: feel self-conscious and uncomfortable in social situations avoid school or participating in class feel embarrassed, lonely, disappointed, or withdrawn have physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, stomach pains, nausea, and a racing heart beat need intervention with a school counselor or therapist to help them handle social situations be targeted by bullies What Teachers Can Do The best way to help your student is to acknowledge the problem in supportive, non-judgmental ways. You can: use structured classroom activities, small groups, or assigned partners so shy students are not left out assign a classroom buddy to provide support help with social interactions and rewarding efforts be patient and positive as students learn new ways to cope encourage all students in the classroom to try relaxation techniques encourage shy students to try to speak for themselves, when they can, rather than speaking for them identify a "safe place" for when a student feels overwhelmed encourage attendance, which may require shortened school days and modified class schedules collaborate with regular meeting with parents, counselors, and school staff Back to Articles Related Articles Social Phobia It's natural to feel self-conscious, nervous, or shy sometimes. But for some people, the anxiety that goes with feeling shy or self-conscious can be extreme, and it can take over their lives. Get the facts on social phobia here. Read More Phobias A phobia is strong fear of something. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Taking Your Child to a Therapist Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Going to therapy helps them cope better, feel better, and do better. Read More Kids Talk About: Feeling Scared All kids feel scared once in a while. Find out what frightens them in this article for kids. Read More Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a natural part of life, and most of us experience it from time to time. But for some people, anxiety can be extreme. Read More Fears and Phobias Fear is a normal human reaction that protects us by signaling danger and preparing us to deal with it. Get the facts about fears and phobias and what causes them. Read More Going to a Therapist Getting help with emotions or stress is the same as getting help with a medical problem like asthma or diabetes. This article explains how therapy works and how it can help with problems. Read More Normal Childhood Fears It's normal for children to feel afraid at times. Parents can help kids feel safe and learn to feel at ease. Read More Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, and all kids experience it. But when it becomes extreme, it can interfere with a child's overall happiness. Read More Talking About Your Feelings Noticing your feelings and saying how you feel can help you feel better. This article for kids has ideas on how to practice talking about feelings and emotions. Read More I Don't Want to Talk to My School Counselor. What Should I Do? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Going to a Therapist What's it like to go to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist? Find out in this article for kids. Read More 504 Education Plans If your child has special needs in the classroom, he or she may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan. Read More School Counselors School counselors can give you all sorts of tips and support on solving problems and making good decisions. But how do you meet with a counselor and what is it like? Find out here. Read More School Counselors School counselors know how to listen and can help kids with life's challenges. Read More Being Afraid Have you ever been afraid? Everyone gets scared sometimes. Find out more about fear in this article for kids. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.