**A. Social Anxiety on the Rise in Children**
**B.

The survey, conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), found that 75% of parents surveyed reported that their children are concerned about their social lives. The survey also found that 60% of parents reported that their children are concerned about their social lives.

“School is often viewed as a place where children will encounter and form connections with peers with different backgrounds, ideas, customs and ways of thinking,” Clark said in a university news release. “Limiting a child’s friends to only those from similar backgrounds may hamper their ability and comfort in navigating diverse networks in the future.” Most commonly, parents want their kids to find friends from families with similar parenting styles. But more than a third of parents preferred that friends come from families with a certain political or religious affiliation, the poll found. About nine out of 10 parents believe their child would like to make new friends, the poll found.

More than half of parents reported at least one factor that makes it tough for their kid to develop new friendships: About 1 in 5 say that shyness or social awkwardness has hampered their child’s ability to make new friends Another 15% say the other kids are mean to their child, making it tough to find friendship Just under 10% said their child’s disability or medical condition makes friendships more challenging “Friendships can play a significant role in children’s overall health and development, emotional well-being, self-esteem and social skills,” Clark said. “But some parents say their children face barriers in making friends, such as personality, social anxiety, medical conditions or just not having as many opportunities.”

The study, conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, found that parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s social development. This concern is reflected in their willingness to actively engage in activities that promote social interaction. The study also found that parents are more likely to engage in these activities when their children are younger.

“For some children, making new friends can be stressful,” Clark said. “Remember that children are still developing and practicing their social skills while making and maintaining friendships. “Parents should expect and allow children to make mistakes, intervening only in matters of safety,” Clark said. “Later, in a private moment with the child, parents should be ready to listen and offer advice.” More information The American Psychological Association has more on helping kids navigate friendships. SOURCE: University of Michigan, news release, Sept. 16, 2024