A–Z Glossary

Social anxiety

An anxiety disorder centered on intense fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, or negative evaluation in social or performance situations.

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Search results for: Social anxiety

Overprotecting and not encouraging social interaction

Overprotecting and not encouraging social interaction

What overprotection looks like in daily life Overprotective parenting is more than being attentive or cautious. It usually means an adult steps in before a child has a chance to solve age-appropriate problems, tolerate discomfort, or test social skills. Examples can include answering every question for the child, arranging all play around adult comfort, avoiding […]

Difficulty fitting in and social rejection children

Difficulty fitting in and social rejection children

What difficulty fitting in can look like Difficulty fitting in does not always look dramatic. Some children are simply not invited into play. Others are present but remain on the edge of the group, speaking little and waiting for someone else to initiate. A child may come home saying no one wants to play with […]

Online social interaction children

Online social interaction children

What online social interaction means for children Online social interaction includes texting, group chats, video calls, shared gaming, class platforms, and social apps where children exchange messages or reactions. It is not identical to face-to-face play, but it can still involve turn-taking, humor, conflict, repair, and friendship maintenance. WHO reports show that continuous online contact […]

Child has no friends and feels left out

Child has no friends and feels left out

Take the feeling seriously A child who says they have no friends is not simply being dramatic. Loneliness in childhood can be measured reliably, and research has found that peer-rejected children tend to report more loneliness than other children. That does not mean every lonely child is being rejected by peers, but it does mean […]

Child shy in social situations

Child shy in social situations

What shyness can mean in childhood Shyness in children is often described as behavioral inhibition, social reticence, or a cautious response to unfamiliar people and settings. Research commonly frames shyness as inhibition, fear, and avoidance during social novelty or social evaluation. In everyday language, this may look like a child who watches before joining, speaks […]

When anxiety becomes a problem

When anxiety becomes a problem

Normal anxiety has a purpose Anxiety is a coordinated neurobiological response involving the autonomic nervous system, stress hormones, attention networks, and threat appraisal. In practical terms, it can produce a racing heart, faster breathing, muscle tension, vigilance, and a strong urge to escape or seek reassurance. This response is uncomfortable, but not inherently harmful. Developmental […]