Social anxiety, that is feeling nervous or shy around others, peaks during the teen years, according to a new study at the University of Georgia. Researchers say how parents respond can help or worsen the anxiety. Parents who express warmth and acceptance toward their teen may help reduce the teen’s anxiety, but shaming, guilt-tripping and overly controlling parents can make it worse. The study, in the journal Adolescent Research Review, suggests a balance of age appropriate boundaries that still gives the child space to make their own choices, thus allowing them to learn cognitive skills they need to handle social environments without lots of anxiety. The study demonstrates family environments may differ, requiring differing responses.