Positive peer relationships crucial for young people

As included with the recent National Catholic Education Commission's newlletter,  a recent Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) study underscores the vital role of positive peer relationships during the middle years (ages 8-14) in shaping young people's health, wellbeing and academic performance. These interactions are key for developing social and cognitive skills essential for future relationships.

The study highlights that young people's social relationships during these years impact their current and future health, wellbeing, learning, academic performance, and relationships with peers and family. Positive peer relationships are linked to better mental health and fewer externalising behaviours, like aggression.

Practitioners can support young people's mental health by promoting strategies that enhance positive peer relationships, such as conflict resolution and resilience building. Encouraging social interactions that improve interpersonal skills can also be beneficial.

Click on the link below to view the CFCA Paper: The influence of peer relationships in the middle years on mental health.

CFCA Paper: The influence of peer relationships in the middle years on mental health (aifs.gov.au)