How can you help a teen who is struggling with social skills or making friends?

It can be difficult for teenagers who struggle with social skills or making friends. Fortunately, there are many things parents, educators, and others can do to help these teens develop social skills and make friends. Here are some tips:

• Encourage participation in group activities: Group activities like sports, clubs, and community service can provide opportunities for teens to interact with others who share their interests.
• Model good social skills: Adults can model good social skills for teens by being friendly, courteous, and respectful to others. They can also point out positive social interactions they observe in everyday life.
• Teach social skills: Social skills can be taught through role-playing, modeling, and other techniques. Parents and educators can teach teens how to start conversations, listen actively, and interpret social cues.
• Encourage social problem-solving: When teens encounter social problems, adults can encourage them to brainstorm solutions and consider the consequences of different actions.
• Be supportive: Teens who struggle with social skills or making friends may feel isolated or rejected. Adults can provide emotional support and help them understand that social skills take practice and that everyone experiences social difficulties at times.