Social withdrawal among children and teens has become a growing concern for parents. It refers to a pattern of behaviour where children start to isolate themselves from social interactions which can impact their relationships, friendships and emotional wellbeing.
Isolation from interactions with others can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness and a lack of belonging. It can impact a child's overall wellbeing by affecting their:
Signs Of Social Withdrawal
Children who socially withdraw may exhibit various emotions and behaviours which can present differently in each child. Common signs of social withdrawal include:
While it's easier to spot some of these signs in children and teens, social withdrawal can occur in under 5s, which makes it trickier to understand isolating behaviours and spot patterns.
Read more about signs of withdrawal in babies and young children
Social withdrawal can be caused by a combination of psychological and environmental factors.
Psychologically, social withdrawal can be a sign of low mood and worries. It's important to note that not all socially withdrawn children feel low, but it can be an early sign of underlying mental health conditions.
On an environmental level, social withdrawal could stem from previous bad experiences within social settings such as school or group situations. Children who have experienced bullying or rejection from their peers can develop a fear of social interactions. Additionally, children who have experienced trauma or have low self-esteem are also more likely to withdraw socially.
New technologies in themselves are not a cause of social withdrawal. In fact, there are many benefits of technology to connect young people and allow children in isolated areas, or without family resources to be able to participate in events that they might not be able to experience face to face. However, it's important to be mindful that increased use of technology can sometimes be a sign that a young person is struggling.
Overcoming Social Fears
There are several strategies that parents can use to help children overcome social fears. But in order to get the best of these suggestions, it's important to create a safe and supportive environment for your child, letting them know that you will listen to their worries and let them open up about their feelings and experiences.
Encouraging social skills
Helping your child or teen to develop social skills could require you to make an effort to encourage play dates for younger children, or create opportunities for your teen to mix with other young adults. Suggesting and encouraging joining clubs or groups, or taking your teens to community spaces can be a good way to get them out of the house and have face-to-face interactions.
Balance technology with real life
Encourage a good balance of screen time by setting limits and suggesting face-to-face interactions with friends. Consider community activities like team sports or arts-based events based on your child's interests to strike a balance between real-life experiences and the virtual world.
Seek help if needed
If your child or teen's shyness persists and starts to impact their day-to-day life, or cause emotional distress, it may be time to consult your GP to see what services are on offer or take a look at some of the counselling services online, like Kooth, who may be able to provide support for your child.
Childhood Loneliness
Relationships are the most important factor in children’s well-being – particularly with their family, carers and friends. As a result, any instance of feeling left out, or not having anyone to talk to, is likely to damage the strength of children’s relationships and potentially lower their overall well-being.
If you suspect your child may be lonely, you could try;
Neurodiverse young people may feel socially isolated due to how they experience the world. While autistic traits are different for every person, some young people might find connecting to others more difficult if they:
It's important to realise that many autistic people enjoy spending time alone and consider it important for their wellbeing. So while some autistic young people prefer to spend time alone, they may not necessarily be socially withdrawn or lonely.
The use of digital technology has been increasing over the past decade. Striking the balance of how your child uses technology can be tricky, so it's useful to think about some of the benefits and risks. While technology in itself does not cause social withdrawal, increased time online can signify that a young person might be struggling.
Benefits of digital technologies include:
Find tips to encourage children to stay safe online
Being informed about the risks of digital technologies can be useful in helping your child navigate social pressures. Risks may include:
While the balance of allowing children to access social media platforms lies with you as a parent, there are ways to stay safe. You can restrict access, monitor content and ramp up the security on your child's devices to reduce the risk.
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.
For 10 to 18-year-olds, Kooth is a free, confidential and safe way to receive online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support.
Childline - Children and young people under 19 can call 0800 1111 for free support.
Young Minds Parents Helpline - Call 0808 802 5544 for free Mon-Fri from 9.30am to 4pm.
To speak to other Norfolk parents and carers, you can join our online community forum below.
