Social phobia or social anxiety disorder occurs in the form of avoiding almost all social environments in general, such as speaking in public and eating. The main feature of social phobia is a marked and persistent fear of embarrassing social situations or situations in which an action takes place.
In social phobia, the main fear of the person is related to behaving in a way that will cause embarrassment, embarrassment or humiliation in front of others. These people are afraid of situations that require them to interact with others or to perform an action in the presence of others, and they try to avoid them as much as possible. Symptoms in children and adolescents are often related to speaking in front of others in class or writing on the blackboard, talking to a teacher or friends of the opposite sex, using the school toilet, eating in groups. In fact, people with social phobia crave contact with others, but avoid social situations for fear of being seen as unattractive, stupid, or annoying by others. Social phobia is a common cause of school refusal in children. It is the most common cause of anxiety disorders that cause early school leaving.
The clinical features of social phobia in children and adolescents are similar to adults. However, symptoms such as crying, avoidance and somatic complaints are more common in children. It is stated that children may not perceive the fear in social phobia as excessive or unreasonable as in adults.
Studies have shown that children with social phobia are more inept in interpersonal relationships than their peers. Difficulties in peer relationships have been identified as a risk factor for socialization problems. In addition, negative experiences or traumas experienced by the child in interaction with their peers can also increase their social fears.
