Positive peer relationships
Indicators
Friends (Wellbeing Engagement Collection SA)
Policy context
Friendships play a crucial role in the lives of all children and young people, aiding in their development of communication, cooperation, social skills and independence. These bonds are particularly important during adolescence, where they can act as a protective shield against bullying and mental health issues, and contribute to the cultivation of persistence and motivation in school.¹ʼ² At the same time, the attitudes of friends can also have negative influences on a range of behavioural, social-emotional and school outcomes.³
WA research with both primary and secondary school children has demonstrated that good friendships are one of the key indicators of children’s happiness and one of the most important things for young people in their lives.⁴
Bayer J et al 2018, Bullying, mental health and friendship in Australian primary school children, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Vol 23, No 4. Cited in: Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, Indicators of Wellbeing, Safe in the home [cited 2023 September 19]. Available at: https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/indicators-of-wellbeing/age-group-12-to-17-years/supportive-relationships/
Healy KL and Sanders MR 2018, Mechanisms Through Which Supportive Relationships with Parents and Peers Mitigate Victimization, Depression and Internalizing Problems in Children Bullied by Peers, Child Psychiatry and Human Development, Vol 49, No 5. Cited in: Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, Indicators of Wellbeing, Safe in the home [cited 2023 September 19]. Available at: https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/indicators-of-wellbeing/age-group-12-to-17-years/supportive-relationships/
Martin A and Dowson M 2009, Interpersonal Relationships, Motivation, Engagement, and Achievement: Yields for Theory, Current Issues, and Educational Practice, Review of Educational Research, Vol 79 No 1, pp. 327-365. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0034654308325583?journalCode=rera
Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, Indicators of Wellbeing, Supportive relationships with friends [cited 2023 September 19]. Available at: https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/indicators-of-wellbeing/age-group-6-to-11-years/supportive-relationships/
