Helping Children Build Social Skills for the New School Year

The start of a new school year can be exciting and nerve-wracking for children and teenagers alike. While academic preparation is important, developing strong social skills is important for a successful transition back to school.

Let’s look at how parents and educators can help young people navigate social interactions and build confidence as they return to the classroom.

Understanding back-to-school anxiety

It’s perfectly normal for students to experience anxiety about returning to school. Common concerns often include making new friends, fitting in with peer groups, and adapting to new social situations.

These worries can appear differently in each child, from quiet withdrawal to irritability or physical symptoms like stomach aches.

The importance of social skills in academic success

Research consistently shows that strong social skills contribute significantly to academic achievement. Students who can effectively communicate, collaborate, and maintain positive relationships with peers and teachers are more likely to:

Experience better academic performance through increased participation and engagement in classroom activities
Develop stronger problem-solving abilities through group work and peer interactions
Build resilience when facing academic challenges by feeling comfortable asking for help

Maintain better attendance rates due to feeling more connected to their school community

Essential social skills for school success

Active listening

Teaching children to be active listeners is necessary for social and academic success. This involves maintaining eye contact, showing interest through body language, and responding appropriately to others’ conversations. Parents can practice these skills at home through role-playing exercises and regular family discussions.

Emotional intelligence

Understanding and managing emotions is important for positive social interactions. Help children develop emotional awareness by:

Showing them how to recognise their feelings and emotions
Helping them understand how their actions affect others
Practising appropriate responses to different emotional situations
Learning to understand others by seeing things from their point of view

Conflict resolution

Disagreements are inevitable in any social setting. Equipping students with conflict resolution skills helps them navigate challenging situations independently. Key aspects include:

Learning to express feelings and needs clearly
Understanding different perspectives
Developing compromise and negotiation skills
Knowing when to seek adult assistance

Preparing for the first day

The first day of school can be particularly challenging. Here are some practical strategies to help students feel more confident:

Before school starts

Visit the school premises if possible
Practice the morning routine several days in advance
Choose and prepare clothes and supplies together
Discuss potential social situations and appropriate responses

During the first week

Encourage participation in group activities
Help identify potential friendship groups
Maintain open communication about daily experiences
Take time to celebrate every social achievement, no matter how small

Supporting ongoing social development

Social skills development is an ongoing process that requires consistent support and practice.

Parents and educators can:

Create opportunities for structured social interactions
Recognise and support positive social behaviour
Help young people learn from their social experiences
Show children how to interact effectively by example

Professional support for social skills development

While many children naturally develop social skills, some may benefit from additional support. The B.E.S.T Kids program at Hargan offers specialised group therapy sessions for children, while the B.E.S.T Teens program offers support for teenagers. These sessions focus on developing crucial social skills and managing anxiety in a supportive, therapeutic environment. Through structured group activities and professional guidance, participants can build confidence, improve their social interactions, and develop strategies for managing school-related stress.

Final thoughts

Returning to school is a significant transition that requires both academic and social preparation. By focusing on developing strong social skills, we can help students build the confidence they need to thrive in their educational environment. Every child develops at their own pace, and with the right support and guidance, they can successfully navigate the social aspects of school life.

Whether through natural development, structured practice at home, or professional support programmes like B.E.S.T Kids at Hargan, investing in social skills development is crucial for academic success and overall well-being. By equipping our children with these essential tools, we set them up for success not just in school, but also in life.

Here are some external reference sites that can provide you with further information:

Victoria Department of Health – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Government of Victoria – Conversation and Social Skills for Children

Health Direct – Free Australian Children’s Healthcare Advice

NSW Government – Social Skills for Children

Australian Government – Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy