Feeling worried, nervous, or upset when around people or when presenting to them

Students are different in how they react to things and handle their feelings. Some students are very active, participatory, and love talking to people, presenting their work, and trying new things. We call these students extroverted.

Other students are quieter. They may prefer to observe before acting, speak little in groups, and avoid drawing attention to themselves. We often call these students introvertedor shy. These differences are part of the diversity of personalities and should be respected.

However, it is important to be aware when shyness begins to interfere with a student’s well-being and participation. When a student consistently avoids group activities, refuses to present work, or appears overly concerned with what others think, this could be a sign of significant social discomfort. This may not just be shyness, but an intense fear of being judged, which interferes with learning and socializing.

What is typical?

Being shy is not a problem. Many students feel shy at different times. Students who are normally shy will slowly get used to new situations. They might stay close to someone they know when meeting new people. Young students may be shy when meeting new classmates or teachers.

Even if shyness makes a student hold back at first, it should not stop them from doing normal activities at school or outside. It’s expected that, despite some initial difficulty, they will be able to integrate over time. Older students should be able to interact socially at school and with friends, even if they are shy.

When should I be concerned?

Excessive shynessis when a student cannot warm up and stays quiet or doesn’t participate. In this case, shyness is no longer just a characteristic and can affect their learning and social experiences. For example, a new student may feel shy at first but should feel better within a few weeks or a month. If they do not, they may have excessive shyness. Teachers should be concerned if shyness stops a student from joining class activities, talking with friends, or doing fun things.

Excessive shynessmeans the student fears many social situations and worries about what people think of them. These students may be scared to: speak in public, meet new people, talk on the phone, write or eat in front of others, or talk to strangers. They might also have physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Younger students might have Selective Mutism, where they cannot talk around some people or in certain places, like school.

When fear prevents students from participating, causes suffering, or leads to school refusal, it can affect their learning, socialization, and self-esteem.

What can I do to help?

As an educator, there are a few things you can try to help a student with excessive shyness:

1. Give time: Allow the student to adjust to new situations. Encourage them, but do not force them to interact.
2. Create positive interactions: Arrange for the shy student to interact with peers they feel comfortable with.
3. Role-play: Practice social interactions like greetings, eye contact, and speaking confidently.
4. Provide positive feedback: Praise the student for any progress they make in social situations.
5. Build self-esteem: Offer opportunities for the student to showcase their strengths and talents in a supportive environment.
6. Communicate with caregivers: If shyness is affecting daily activities, discuss concerns with the student’s caregivers.
7. Consult with support staff: Talk to the school counselor or psychologist for additional support and resources.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

As an educator, your role is not to provide clinical support, but you can help by guiding the family to the right professionals.

You can inform families about free support available through the Unified Health System (SUS). Care often begins at the nearest Basic Health Unit (UBS), which can refer them to specialized services. These may include Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS i), Medical and Psychosocial Specialty Centers, and outpatient clinics at university or regional hospitals.

It is also helpful to remind caregivers that mental health professionals can support both the child and the family. They offer strategies for managing challenges at home, at school, and during treatment.