Today, our children and teens lack social skills. They suffer in making eye contact, dealing with a new situation, and speaking to someone they don't know before. These skills matter in every field and situation. In this article, I'll be sharing a complete guide about how you can improve social skills for teenagers. It comprises the importance, possible causes, signs of being socially weak, and some must-have social skills for teens and practical ways to develop them. Let's begin.
Why Do Our Teens Lack Social Skills?
Understanding the prime cause and challenges for our teens' social skills problems is important.
1. Technology
In a 2018 survey, 54 and 41 percent of the teens stated that they spent too much time on their cellphones and on social media, respectively. It shows the impacts of technology on our teens. Today, we are connected through social media and in-person connections have been weakened. Our teens are used to talking through texting or WhatsApp. As a result, they feel uncomfortable when they have to speak to someone face to face. They are unable to build eye contact and proper communication with others. They have less practice in dealing with the real world.
2. Overprotective Parenting Styles
Some parents may overprotect their children and don't put any responsibility on them. It is also a reason for diminished social skills in teens because such an environment limits their social development, independence, and self-confidence.
3. Living in the Comfort Zone
Parental or peer pressure forces children to live in their comfort zone and fulfill the expectations of others. So, they have a little or no exposure to the world around them. It results in a lack of confidence and self-esteem. And they develop no social skills. A person cannot grow his skills and experience living in a comfort zone. For example, some arthropods have an exoskeleton shell around their body and are unable to grow. To grow bigger, they have to shed this shell. This same thing applies to humans, skills of a person grow when he breaks his boundaries.
4. Only Focusing on Academics
Due to prenatal pressure, some students focus only on their studies and don't get involved in social activities. It prevents them from real-world experiences. So, in later life, they have to suffer in their social life. While working for good grades it is also essential to work on your skills. So that a student can easily fit in the practical life.
Importance of Social Skills for Teens
The importance of social skills is self-evident. Here is a list of some:- It helps them to work properly and feel confident in public and in school functions and gatherings.
- It contributes positively to mental health.
- Exploring different activities or job opportunities for a better financial career.
- Teens having better social skills often perform better academically and in practical life.
- It helps them to adapt easily to new environments and situations, make new friends, and grow themselves.
Signs of a Socially-Struggling Teen
Here are some signs that show a teenager is having difficulties in social life:- Preferring to spend more time alone than with others.
- Having difficulty in making or maintaining friendships.
- Decreased participation in social gatherings or group meetings.
- Facing difficulty in communicating or maintaining eye contact.
- Feeling himself/herself weak in social situations.
- Avoiding or trying to stay away from social events.
- Not having face-to-face contact.
7 Important Social Skills for Every Teenager
1. Empathy
Empathy involves understanding the feelings and viewpoints of others. It aids in building stronger relationships with others and having feelings of care and compassion towards others.
2. Active Listening
It consists of paying deep attention to other's words, understanding their meanings plus feelings, and responding accordingly. It is an essential skill for better communication.
3. Body Language
It is a non-verbal communication that involves eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, etc. Teens should be aware of how others judge them and how they can effectively deliver their message.
4. Assertiveness
Assertiveness is the art of expressing one's thoughts and needs confidently and properly. It helps teens to speak out for their due rights and behave as responsible individuals in all circumstances.
5. Problem Solving
Problem-solving is a test of creativity and wisdom. It shows how we deal with a difficulty. Teens should be trained to solve a problem and end conflicts in the society. It will give them self-esteem and confidence.
6. Negotiation Skills
It is somewhat linked to the above two skills. But I will discuss it separately here. It involves understanding the real problem. Listening to other's arguments giving appropriate opinions and finding a satisfactory solution.
7. Teamwork
Teamwork is critical for the progress of a person, an institute, or a company. Teamwork teaches us to share the duties towards a common goal and play our role for collective achievements.
Practical Ways to Improve Social Skills in Teens
1. Practice: Say Anything
Ask your teens to express themselves and say what they like coming out of their comfort zone. Talking with others about everyday topics can help improve communication skills and confidence.
You can encourage them to give their opinions on family matters or start a conversation. It can give them a feeling of acceptance and self-esteem. You can also ask them to make deals at the shops during shopping. The key point is that what we want to learn, we have to do it. If a teen has to learn social skills, he will have to do it. He will have to come out of the false comforts of his mind.
2. Role-play Social Situations
Role play can also remove shyness and help improve social life. It can be done using a mobile camera by recording own video speaking about any topic. It's a good solution to shyness. As a parent or teacher, you can also ask them to introduce themselves. You may conduct an interview. Such practices can end the issues faced by them in a job interview too.
3. Involve in Group Projects
Challenging the comfort and taking part in group projects teaches them teamwork and working collectively for a common purpose. Such activities train them to work with different people.
4. Extracurricular Activities
Rather than focusing only on academic performance, also participate in extracurricular activities like sports, trips, or social work teams. Getting involved in such non-curricular activities can help them introduce to new people and make new friends.
5. Practice Writing
Writing is the art of expressing our thoughts to others. Ask your teen to write a letter, resume, or an email to friends and family. In this way, he will come to know what words he should use and how he can communicate more efficiently.
The Last Say (Conclusion)
In conclusion, social skills are important in the teenage years and also prepare teens for their future life. Ones who are socially good often perform better in all the fields of life. Critical skills include empathy, active listening, problem-solving, negotiation, and teamwork. It increases their confidence and self-esteem. Furthermore, it can help them have better mental health and raise academic grades. Keep working on your own and your teens' skills.
It's a general overview of how to improve social skills for teenagers. You can also get outside help to make your teens socially good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some social challenges teens face?
- Having trouble talking to new people.
- Not having proper eye contact.
- Avoiding face-to-face interactions.
- Lack of communication skills.
How can schools help teens in their social lives?
- Promote extracurricular activities.
- Organize different programs and competitions for building communication skills among the students.
- Involve students in role-play activities.
What should teens do if they feel awkward socially?
Teens can overcome this situation by breaking their comfort zone and involving themselves in social activities. Our skills are polished when we risk ourselves and get involved in something.
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