5 Fast Facts About Peer Relationships and Friendships During Adolescence

From the introduction:

“Friendships gain new importance and intensity as we become adolescents. Healthy friendships can lead to higher academic achievement, less risky behavior, and greater overall wellbeing and can influence our future values and identity. They can even have positive effects on mental health well into adulthood. Providing opportunities for young people to form and maintain healthy friendships and providing support during turbulent friendships or after friend breakups should be seen as a priority for programs and caring adults.”