Student Support Services
October 19, 2026 – Edition 13
Friendship, Kindness and Belonging
Friendships play an important role in a young person’s wellbeing. Feeling connected, accepted and valued by peers helps students develop confidence, emotional resilience and a sense of belonging at school. At times, however, friendships can also be a source of worry, particularly when students feel left out, excluded, or unheard within their social groups.
Recently, we have seen an increase in students sharing concerns about friendship challenges. Some describe feeling isolated when friendship groups change, friends move between social circles, or plans are made without them. While these experiences can be difficult, they also provide opportunities for young people to develop empathy, communication skills and resilience.
Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting children through friendship difficulties. If your child talks about feeling left out, start by listening without judgement and acknowledging their feelings.
Simple responses such as, “That sounds really upsetting” or “I can understand why that hurt” can help a child feel heard and supported. It is also important to remain curious and avoid making assumptions, recognising that your child’s experience may be different from your own.
Equally important is talking with children about their role in creating positive friendships. Encourage your child to consider how others may be feeling and to look for situations to include others. Inviting someone to join a game, sitting with a peer who is alone, listening when others are speaking, or simply showing kindness can make a significant difference to another student’s day.
Conversation Starters for Families
Consider using some of these questions at home:
- Who did you spend time with today and how did they make you feel?
- Is there anyone in your class who might be feeling left out?
- Have you noticed someone sitting alone or struggling to join in?
- What is one small thing you could do this week to help someone feel included?
- What makes a good friend?
- Have there been times when you felt left out? What helped?
- Have there been times when someone else may have felt left out? What could have been done differently?
- How do you know when someone is feeling excluded, even if they don’t say it?
These discussions help children develop empathy, perspective-taking and an awareness that everyone wants to feel accepted and included.
By working together to promote kindness, respect and inclusion, we can help create a school community where every student feels seen, valued, supported and connected. Sometimes the smallest acts such as inviting someone to join a group, saying hello, or checking in on a classmate, can have the greatest impact.
Every child deserves to feel that they belong and every child has the power to help make that happen.
