How do peers affect the development of a child?

Remember those college exam days? The panic attack before that dreaded subject's exam? No matter how hard you tried, you could never make yourself study that subject. But then, there is always that one friend who comes to the rescue. They would teach you one day before the exam and you would understand more concepts than you ever did from the teacher in the entire semester? Wasn’t it the best way to learn?

We learn from our peers much sooner than we learn from our teachers. The quality of peers we surround ourselves with says a lot about who we are. However, when it comes to children, the saying should go something like this - “The quality of people they surround themselves with, tells a lot about who they will become.”

Research shows that children whose initial friends are supportive and encouraging, and who thrive socially, are less likely to face psychological issues in their later years. However, if children feel shy or are subject to unwanted social situations like being laughed at, bullied or not included in group activities, they find themselves uncomfortable in social situations even at later stages in life.

A healthy group of peers can do wonders for a child’s cognitive and social-emotional development. Kids are able to regulate their emotions better and reduce impulsive responses. Their linguistic skills also improve as they are able to learn new words and languages quickly. They understand the social dynamics better and become more confident, imaginative and visionary. 

So, what is a healthy peer group? 

It's the kind of friends who encourage each other to dream rather than shut down, who tell each other that their ideas are amazing rather than laughing at them or dismissing them. Peers who actively listen to each other's ideas and challenges, investigate questions together, wonder about things together, play together, laugh together, and thus grow together; this is the kind of group your child should be a part of. 

At School of Future, we are proud to have created such a loving and supportive community for teens, and we are well on our way to creating one for tweens. Throughout the programme, we personally speak with each student to understand their needs and challenges. This helps us in facilitating their interactions with one another during group sessions. The mentor encourages each child in the group, and the children in turn encourage one another. When kids hear their peers say nice things about other students, they begin to think the same way. They even attempt to assist one another in brainstorming solutions to problems they are dealing with or working on. They begin to perceive themselves as members of a single-family in which they learn and grow together. All of this enhances their cognitive and social skills.

So, does your child have the right kind of friends? Do let us know in the comments below, maybe we can help!