Nursery World - Friendship's role is subject of inquiry

The importance of friendship to young children's well-being is often underestimated, according to a survey by The Good Childhood Inquiry.

More than 200 professionals and organisations that work with childrencontributed to the findings.

Friendships formed by babies and toddlers 'were often not credited withthe significance that they hold for emotional development andwell-being', said the report.

Friendship is the subject of the first survey from the Inquiry, whichalso found that children's freedom to play outside is restricted byadult anxiety. Forty-three per cent of 1,148 adults questioned said thatchildren should not be allowed out with friends until they are 14.

Chief executive Bob Reitemeier said, 'As a society we are in a quandary;on one hand we want freedom for children, but on the other we arebecoming increasingly frightened to let them out.'

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included