Social isolation: strategies to identify, prevent and combat the phenomenon

Case Study #2
Pseudonym
Mike
Age 12
Description
Mike is a 12-year-old middle school student from Greece. He is shy, quiet, introverted and
speaks only to answer questions. He is an only child with no friends. Mike does not seem
to have problems with going to school. In the beginning, he did not talk to the educator at
all. Then gradually started to respond to his questions. No other information on interests
and hobbies is provided. His father shared with his English teacher the concern that his
son might have a problem as he seems to be too quiet. As an introverted child, Mike has
difficulties integrating with his classmates.
What could be done to prevent the child’s social isolation?
● The educator could engage Mike in a school project that involves writing
postcards and letters in English to another child from the same grade in
another country. It may help him to develop his communication skills and
express his feelings in written form.
● Advicing the father in engaging his son into different activities together, like
outdoor experiences, walking, sport or star watching. These activities should
allow them to spend quality time together and build up trust. Art therapy
techniques could be useful to engage Mike’s imagination and help him
express himself indirectly.
● Engaging Mike in social skills training to let him develop skills such as
emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills and let him build a sense of
relatedness with others.
Case Study #3
Pseudonym
Roberto
Age 18
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