SOCIAL ANXIETY AT SCHOOL

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY IN SCHOOL

SET UP HEALTHY HABITS AND ROUTINES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR:

  • Get enough sleep: got to sleep at the same time every night and get al least 8 to 10 hours of sleep.

  • Eat healthy meals, avoiding excessive sweets and sodium. For example eat a breakfast full of proteins, whole grains and/or fruits. Lunch should be as balanced as breakfast and not consist of a pizza. Replace chips with fruits as a midday snack.

  • Be active outdoors or practice a sport.

ShARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND DIFFICULTIES WITH YOUR FAMILY.

  • Children: tell your parents if you are having difficulties socializing in school or participating in class

  • Parents: ask your child how they are doing in school and try to not make grades the focus of your attention and concern.

REFRAME NEGATIVE THOUGHTS:

  • Reframe negative thoughts in a more positive light. For instance, don’t think, “None of the kids in class will like me because they already know each other, and I’m new.” Replace it with, “I am probably not the only new kind in class”, or “I will just start talking to whoever is sitting next to me”.

  • It is easier to come out of your shell if you have a positive attitude.

  • Keep in mind that it is very unlikely that you are the only kid in school who feels intimidated or finds it difficult to talk with strangers.

DEVELOP INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

  • Learn how to initiate conversations and practice at home.

  • Join groups or clubs at school

  • Learn to be a good listener and don’t hijack the conversation.

Learn RELAXATION TECHNIQUES


starting a conversation AT school


greetings

Greet your schoolmates or whoever student you know is in your class. Say, “Hi” or “How are you?” the first time you see them during the day


start a conversation

1.  Talk about the PRESENT moment.

“What are you… doing…talking about…eating… reading?”

“What do you think about…class…professor…lesson?

How do you like… lunch…project… game?”

“I like your… shirt… hat… sneakers…, where did you get it?”

OR

2.  Talk about the PAST.

“How was your… break… week… weekend… vacation?”

“Did you like…movie…tv show…a sports game?”

“Did you hear about…what happened in the news… a new TV show… a sports game…a celebrity?”

KEEP A CONVERSATION GOING

1.  Turn the conversation toward THEIR INTERESTS.

“What is your favorite…sport…game…activity?”

“Have you been doing… a favorite activity… playing a favorite game… watching a favorite TV show… working on a personal project… lately?”

2. Remember to ask FOLLOW-UP questions and be sure to make comments about whatever is being talked about.


random questions to start a conversation:

How old are you?

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Do you have any pets?

What do you like to do for fun?

Do you play any sports?

When is your birthday?

What grade are you in?

Do you play any musical instruments?

What school do you go to?

What is your favorite food?

What is your favorite school class?

What is your least favorite class?

What do you like to do on the weekends?

What is your favorite movie, TV show?

Do you like to play video games?

What music do you like to listen to?

Who is your favorite actor/actress/celebrity?