The Friendship Crisis: How Suffolk County’s Elementary Students Are Rebuilding Social Connections Through Specialized Group Therapy

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an invisible but profound mark on our youngest learners. Socially, children suffered from the effects of isolation which led to changes within friendships, shifting attitudes towards schooling, and a decrease in key socioemotional skill development. As Suffolk County families navigate the post-pandemic world, a concerning trend has emerged: elementary students are struggling to rebuild the social skills that were disrupted during those crucial developmental years.

The Hidden Impact of Social Isolation

Research reveals the staggering scope of this challenge. More than four in 10 parents of K-12 students say their child’s social skills development and mental health were negatively impacted by the pandemic, and more than two in 10 say the negative effects on these children’s social and emotional development continue today. The numbers are particularly alarming for younger children, as lower-grade elementary students, ages 5- to 8-years-old, are particularly vulnerable to the negative outcomes of extended online learning. This developmental stage is crucial for the social, emotional, and cognitive growth of students, in which childhood education, including play and inquiry-based instruction, plays a key role in developing skills through socialization that are necessary for students’ future academic success.

The effects go beyond simple shyness or temporary adjustment issues. Some educators have reported school-aged children showing less confidence while participating in group activities. One study published in April 2022 showed toddlers and preschoolers struggling more with age-appropriate social skills such as sharing and turn taking during the pandemic. When children returned to school, many parents noticed their elementary students had difficulty knowing their classmates well and lacked sufficient opportunities to practice social interactions.

The Power of Specialized Group Therapy

Recognizing this crisis, mental health professionals have turned to evidence-based group therapy interventions specifically designed for elementary-aged children. LEGO® Therapy Social Skills Group is a 6-week, evidence-based, group therapy program designed to help elementary children with social communication and social skills difficulties. Children’s Friendship Training (CFT) is an evidence-based social skills program for elementary school children who experience difficulties making or keeping friends.

Group therapy offers unique advantages for addressing post-pandemic social skill deficits. Group therapy is led by one or more trained therapists and provides a space where participants can process their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Groups may focus on a specific issue—such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, or caregiving—or they may center around a particular therapeutic approach, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social skill development, or Exposure Therapy.

Building Skills Through Structured Social Practice

Effective social skills groups for elementary students follow a carefully structured approach. Start with an opening song: We always did a song that included “hello” and “how are you” so they could practice answering social greetings · Teach lesson, introduce one skill at a time -Social Stories -Video Modeling -Demonstrations · Students practice -Role Playing -Answering Questions -Pair off or in Groups. Assign Homework and ask each student to write in a journal about using or practicing the skill (or lack thereof) At the beginning of the next session, review topic and review their homework to see if the students are using the skill.

These interventions address the specific challenges that emerged during the pandemic. Together, isolation and a lack of in-person socialization with individuals outside of the immediate family left many children with unmet socioemotional needs, including learning how to behave in different social situations and understanding age-appropriate social norms (e.g., sharing, group work).

Supporting Families in Suffolk County

For families in Suffolk County seeking professional support for their children’s social development, Child Therapy Suffolk County, NY services have become increasingly vital. At Dynamic Counseling, we are dedicated to offering compassionate and professional psychotherapy services. Our experienced therapists are committed to supporting you on your mental health and well-being journey. We understand the challenges you face and offer personalized care to help you navigate life’s obstacles.

Located conveniently on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack, our newly refurbished offices offer a welcoming and safe environment for your journey toward personal growth and healing. The practice emphasizes individualized treatment approaches, understanding that with a focus on individualized treatment, we aim to empower our clients to achieve their personal growth and healing goals.

A Collaborative Approach to Healing

Dynamic Counseling’s approach to child therapy recognizes the importance of family involvement. From play therapy to specialized ADHD support, we offer various services to address the diverse needs of children and adolescents in Suffolk County, NY. At Dynamic Counseling LCSW, we use play therapy to help children express themselves. Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes play to help children express their emotions and work through challenges.

The center’s philosophy aligns with current research on post-pandemic recovery. During the pandemic, “the parts of the brain that activate during a face-to-face interaction may have gotten a little rusty for older kids,” says Dr. Ameenuddin. To help children develop and practice these social skills, start small, says Dr. Ameenuddin. Create a safe, comfortable environment for children to practice new social skills.

The Path Forward

While the pandemic’s impact on children’s social development was significant, research offers hope. While most experts agree that children’s social skills will rebound after nearly two years of social disruptions, the pace at which they do so will likely vary. The key is providing appropriate support and intervention when needed.

Mental health problems in childhood are associated with poorer mental health, physical health, life satisfaction, and quality of life in adulthood, meaning that the social isolation experienced during the pandemic could cause lifelong health impacts to elementary students if additional mental health supports are not provided post-pandemic. Knowing that the rates of poor mental health increased among children in North America during the pandemic, child-centered socioemotional and mental health supports are needed, especially in schools where children spend most of their waking hours, to try and mitigate the long-term negative health consequences.

For Suffolk County families concerned about their child’s social development, specialized group therapy and individual counseling services offer evidence-based pathways to recovery. Emotional support is crucial for children’s development, and that’s what we focus on at Dynamic Counseling LCSW. Children go through many emotions as they grow, and sometimes they need extra help to deal with these feelings. Our therapists are here to provide that support. With proper intervention and support, children can rebuild their social skills and develop the confidence needed to form meaningful friendships and thrive in group settings once again.