Friendships formed in early childhood are
just as important as those made by adults,
according to the research.
Image: iStockphoto
Professor Susan Danby, from the Faculty of Education's School of Early Childhood, and Karen Thorpe, from the Faculty of Health's School of Psychology and Counselling, have spent the past year studying peer relationships in young children.
They have conducted a number of interviews with children from the start of preschool through to the first year of schooling.
"From the perspective of the children themselves, their friendships were seen as absolutely critical, and the main worry of many was that they would not make friends," said Professor Danby.
"Friends give children a way to manage concerns, learn about how to lead, how to participate, and they interact and support each other, just as adults do.
"They do lots of negotiation, work out rules of play, share joys and worries, and provide a support base; the friendship groups among young children help each other understand the world they live in, they build intimacy and trust and this is just as important to children as it is to adults.
"I think there is sometimes a danger of parents trivialising the friendships of young children, but it is really important for them to make these connections and support from peers."
The study found that children who had friends reported fewer problems adjusting into school life.
Studies of friendship show that these children had better social skills and were better equipped to cope with life changes such as family conflict and the birth of new siblings.
Many children organised play groupings, rules of play and organisation of games outside the class environment, in the playground, according to the study's findings.
"Playground time is extremely important, and I think it is important to realise that, especially if considering a reduction in playground time at school," Professor Danby said.
"Children need that time, and it may actually surprise many how quickly they came up with strategies of forming friendships, and how these strategies and negotiations really worked.
"Peer culture helps children explore the social world and to have a sense of what their own values, interests and concerns are - all extremely important things which should not be overlooked."
Editor's Note: Original news release can be found here.
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