Hi so sorry to hear your son is having trouble. The first thing I would do is raise this with the school. His class teachers etc. Check out the schools anti bullying policy etc. Go chat with the teachers, school counsellors etc and voice your concerns. Your childs self esteem is important at this age. Kids are cruel. I agree get him into some after school activities. What are his interests...musical instrument, theatre groups, self defence etc. Reading clubs, computer clubs etc. Not sure what would be available where you are since you said your in a small country town. Also find out exactly what your son has trouble with- initiating conversations? Is he shy around others, feels awkward or overwhelmed? What is it about social situations that he struggles with. Can he go talk to a school counsellor or someone- maybe research social anxiety? I know this is a personal question but does he have an autism spectrum disorder where social communication skills might be the cause. I ask because my son has asd but around me is fine. Anyway all the best. All we can do is try to help our kids through things as best we can but getting to the bottom of it sometimes is like real detective work.
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