Kids who interact with other kids but find the the act of making friends inducing some anxiety are more prone to bullying and rejection.
The anxious-solitary kids have lesser friends compared to other kids of the same age and tends to be vulnerable from bullying from other children. According to experts on human development, it is important to understand the friendships of these kids since their contacts with other kids are fewer.
A study last year concluded that bullies pick on children who are are quite unpopular. Those who are or perceived to be lesbian or gay are also prone to be bullied.
A survey was conducted on 2,500 grade five students and asked them on their views of their peers in terms of social behavior, sensitivity, and aggression. A similar questionnaire was rolled out to their teachers.
The children who joined the survey were then classified as non-withdrawn or those who has a good number of friends and sociable; unsociable withdrawn or those who are not very social but can interact with other kids without fear; and anxious-solitary or those who want to interact but are anxious to try.
The kids who fell into the category of anxious-solitary withdrawn were found out to have less friends and that they tend to lose these friends overtime. They were also more sensitive and prone to bullying by the other kids.
The study also found out that good, stable friendships protect children from being victims of bullying.