Some children like to spend time alone, rather than interacting with other children. However, when they spend almost all of their time alone, without any interaction with peers, it may be a sign of existing problems or can lead to difficulties in the future.
Social isolation can be caused by a number of other problems such as:
- Bullying – isolation due to being bullied by other children;
- Excessive shyness – isolation due to being embarrassed to approach other children;
- Sadness, Discouragement, or Loss of Pleasure – isolation due to low mood and no desire to be with the people with whom they were previously connected;
- Anger – isolation due to problems getting along with other children, or being seen as someone others have to “walk on a thin ice” around given volatile emotions;
- Aggression and Problems with Rules – isolation due to rule breaking behaviors or a history of physical confrontations;
- Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity – isolation due to inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive behaviors that bother other children;
- Alcohol and drug use – isolation due to use that is unapproved by peers.
The first step in helping an isolated student is to understand why the isolation is happening. Finding out the causes will help understand the child’s emotional experiences and formulate ways to address problems leading to social isolation.
Encouraging the student to engage in some organized, supervised social activities is often helpful to increase social contacts in a safe way.