Written by Dru Ahlborg, Executive Director BRRC

When kids have strong, positive friendships, they are better protected from the impacts of bullying. A trusted friend can be a source of comfort, an upstander in tough situations, and a reminder that they are valued and not alone. On the reverse side, children who feel isolated or excluded are at a greater risk of being targeted or of joining in bullying behaviors to gain social standing.

Research consistently shows the protective power of peer connection:

• About 1 in 3 students experiences bullying during their school years, but children who report feeling a strong sense of belonging are significantly less likely to be involved.
• A meta-analysis of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs found that teaching kids how to form healthy relationships led to better social skills, stronger self-esteem, and reductions in both bullying and victimization.
• Studies reveal that positive peer influence, including friends modeling supportive responses to targets of bullying, has a stronger impact on spreading defending behaviors than directives from school rules.

In short: friendships matter. They don’t just bring joy and fun into a child’s life, they also form a vital line of defense against the emotional toll of bullying.

So how can we, as parents and caregivers, help children form and sustain these healthy friendships? The Child Mind Institute offers practical, expert-backed steps to guide us.
8 Tips for Helping Kids Make and Keep Healthy Friendships

(From the Child Mind Institute)

1. Create and support a variety of opportunities for socialization. Focus on your child’s interests and encourage activities where they can meet peers with similar interests.
2. Create an open and ongoing conversation about healthy relationships. Talk regularly about what matters in a friend.
3. Praise good friendship behaviors. When you see your child showing empathy, setting a boundary, or being supportive, name it.
4. Model healthy relationships. Let your kids see how you show up for the people in your life.
5. Help kids set their own boundaries. Peer pressure starts young. Teaching kids to speak up – and listen when others do – is powerful.
6. Practice at home. Playing board games or doing chores together teaches collaboration, communication, and turn-taking.
7. Work on problem-solving skills. Conflict is normal. Teach your child to consider others’ perspectives and work toward solutions.
8. Be involved, but not too involved. Create opportunities and offer guidance, but give them space to navigate social situations on their own.

By encouraging kindness, empathy, and mutual respect, we give kids the tools to build friendships that not only enrich their lives but also shield them from bullying. Strong, supportive connections are more than companionship  – they’re prevention.