Friendship, belonging and bullying

Friendship, belonging and bullying

Friendships play a central role in children’s and teens’ wellbeing, sense of identity and connection to school. Feeling accepted and valued by peers supports confidence and resilience, while difficulties such as conflict, exclusion or bullying can deeply affect a child or adolescent’s emotional health and willingness to engage in learning. As parents and carers, it can be hard to know how best to support children and teens through changing social worlds. The information linked to this topic is designed to help you understand how friendships develop across childhood and adolescence, recognise signs your child or teen may be struggling socially, and respond in ways that promote safety, belonging and healthy relationships.