{"id":17377,"date":"2025-05-26T19:27:14","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T14:57:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.afradokht.ir\/impact-of-choosing-friends-in-school\/"},"modified":"2025-05-26T19:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T14:57:14","slug":"impact-of-choosing-friends-in-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.afradokht.ir\/en\/impact-of-choosing-friends-in-school\/","title":{"rendered":"impact of choosing friends in school"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing friends at school is one of the most significant factors influencing the growth and character formation of children aged 7 to 12. During this age range, children learn social skills, moral values, and how to interact with their peers. School friends can boost self-esteem, enhance communication skills, and motivate academic achievement, but there can also be negative influences. In this article, we explore the positive and negative aspects of choosing friends at school and provide strategies for parents and teachers to guide children toward healthy, suitable friendships.<\/p>\n

Development of Social Skills<\/h3>\n

Between the ages of 7 and 12, children gradually learn how to communicate with their classmates\u2014skills such as cooperation, turn-taking, problem-solving, and negotiation. When a child has friends who exhibit these positive behaviors, there is a higher likelihood that the child will model and adopt them. Interacting with appropriate friends helps the child participate easily in small group activities, share group responsibilities, and thus develop a sense of social belonging.<\/p>\n

Impact on Motivation and Academic Achievement<\/h3>\n

School friends can influence a child\u2019s academic motivation. If a child\u2019s peer group values studying and completing homework, the child\u2019s chances of succeeding academically and developing an interest in school increase. Conversely, if a child\u2019s friends are indifferent to school and academics, they may negatively affect the child\u2019s attitude and behavior. Studies have shown that children with friends active in extracurricular activities tend to perform better in school and are less prone to academic decline.<\/p>\n

Influence on Self-Esteem<\/h3>\n

Friends who encourage and support a child during difficult times boost the child\u2019s sense of worth and self-confidence. In contrast, friends who tease or ridicule can harm a child\u2019s self-esteem and even lead to social anxiety. Therefore, it is crucial to identify positive friends and minimize relationships with peers who have a negative impact.<\/p>\n

Risks of Choosing Inappropriate Friends<\/h3>\n

Selecting mismatched or problematic friends can have adverse consequences:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Risky Behaviors:<\/strong> Children who associate with friends inclined toward risky behaviors (such as lying, cheating on exams, or fighting) are more likely to engage in similar conduct.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Academic Decline:<\/strong> If the child\u2019s peer group is not interested in studies, it may lead to diminishing motivation and lower grades.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Communication Problems:<\/strong> Unhealthy relationships can cause communication difficulties and social isolation, leaving the child feeling like they don\u2019t belong or can\u2019t get along with others.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Mental Health Issues:<\/strong> Negative peer influence can be a precursor to anxiety, depression, or low mood in the child.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Role of Parents and Teachers in Guiding Friend Selection<\/h3>\n

    Parents and teachers play a crucial role in steering children toward choosing suitable friends. The following strategies can be effective:<\/p>\n