Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Child social anxiety is when a child feels intense fear or nervousness in social situations, like school or playing with others. They worry about being judged or embarrassing themselves, which can lead to avoiding social events or having trouble interacting. This may show up as extreme shyness, stomach aches, or difficulty speaking in front of others. Treatment for child social anxiety, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can help them manage their fears and build confidence. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term struggles with social anxiety.
If these symptoms persist and interfere with daily life, it could be a sign of social anxiety, and seeking help from a professional may be beneficial.
The child may refuse to attend parties, school events, or even playdates due to fear of being judged.
They may complain of stomach aches, headaches, or feeling dizzy when faced with social situations.
A child with social anxiety may hide behind a parent, avoid eye contact, or struggle to speak in front of others.
They may have constant thoughts about saying or doing something embarrassing.
They might seem distant or unable to interact with peers, often because they're worried about rejection or saying the wrong thing.
The child may feel an overwhelming need to get everything right in social interactions, which increases their anxiety.
Around 6.9% of Australian children aged 4-17 experience anxiety disorders
Social anxiety disorder typically develops in childhood, with 50% of cases appearing by age 11
According to a 2023 report by Smiling Mind, diagnoses of social anxiety disorder among children aged 6–12 rose by 45% between 2020 and 2022.
In 2023, about 19% of Australian children aged 8–13 reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety.
Social anxiety in children can feel overwhelming—not just for them, but for their families too. It impacts how kids interact with others, perform at school, and even enjoy their day-to-day activities. Thankfully, research has shown that there are several effective treatments to help kids manage their anxiety and improve their social skills. Let’s dive into what the research says about child social anxiety and the most effective treatments.
One of the standout treatments for child social anxiety is internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This online approach to therapy is incredibly effective, offering kids the flexibility to complete their sessions from the comfort of their own homes. Research has shown that internet-delivered CBT can significantly reduce social anxiety in children and improve their overall mood. This method is especially helpful for families in remote areas or those who may not have easy access to in-person therapy options. Plus, it’s great for reducing the stigma often associated with seeking mental health support, since kids can complete their sessions in private.
Another highly effective treatment is group CBT. In this approach, kids get to join a therapy group with other children facing similar challenges. The benefit here is that it’s not just about learning coping skills; it’s also about putting those skills into practice in a supportive environment. Research shows that group CBT helps children reduce their anxiety, but it also helps them develop stronger social skills by interacting with their peers. This means that kids learn not only how to manage their fears but also how to handle everyday social situations with greater ease. It’s a great option for children who need both therapeutic support and a safe space to practice socialising.
If your child has specific fears or needs more tailored attention, individual CBT could be the way to go. This one-on-one therapy approach allows the therapist to focus solely on your child’s unique challenges, working directly with them to address their social anxiety. Research shows that individual CBT is effective at helping children reduce anxiety symptoms and build coping strategies. However, if your child struggles with social skills in particular, group CBT might provide more opportunities for practice and improvement.
For younger children, parent-assisted CBT has proven to be especially beneficial. This treatment involves the parents in the therapeutic process by teaching them strategies to help their child manage anxiety outside of therapy sessions. Parents are given the tools to support their child’s progress by reinforcing the coping techniques learned during therapy. Research indicates that this type of approach is particularly helpful for younger children who need additional support at home to feel confident practising their new skills. It also helps create a consistent approach to managing social anxiety across different environments, whether that’s at home, at school, or during social outings.
There are other therapies that have shown some potential in managing social anxiety, but they’re not quite as impactful as CBT. For example, internet-delivered parent-child interaction therapy and cognitive bias modification are approaches that aim to shift a child’s thought patterns and improve their ability to interact socially. While research suggests these therapies can help, they don’t have the same solid evidence base as CBT for treating child social anxiety. These methods might still be worth exploring, but if you’re looking for the most evidence-backed approach, CBT stands out as the go-to treatment.
Research makes it clear that early intervention is key when it comes to treating child social anxiety. The sooner you can get your child the help they need, the better. If social anxiety is left untreated, it can continue into adulthood and lead to a lifetime of challenges in social and academic settings. Early treatment gives children the tools they need to manage their anxiety, develop their confidence, and create positive social experiences. This sets the stage for better outcomes, not only in their childhood years but throughout their lives.
It’s also important to note that the most successful treatments often combine different therapeutic approaches. For example, integrating CBT with parent support or offering both individual and group sessions can help maximise the benefits for your child. Research suggests that these combined approaches offer a more holistic way of tackling social anxiety, ensuring that kids get the most well-rounded support possible.
Every child is unique, and so their treatment for social anxiety should be too. Whether your child is more comfortable with one-on-one therapy, thrives in a group setting, or benefits from having their parents involved, there are plenty of options available. Working with a trained therapist to tailor the treatment plan to your child’s specific needs can make all the difference in helping them overcome social anxiety and lead a more confident, fulfilling life.
Encourage tiny social steps like saying "hello" to a neighbour – small wins build big confidence.
Set up playdates, role-play chats at home, and give plenty of chances for low-pressure practice.
Celebrate brave efforts rather than jumping in to "rescue" – every small step deserves praise.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, holding Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We provide treatment for child social anxiety using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT in Children). We also offer treatment for adults with social anxiety—click here to learn more about our approach.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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