Why Friendships at School Are So Important for Girls
Making friends at school is more than just a fun part of childhood — it’s a critical component of a girl’s social, emotional, and academic development. Friendships give girls a sense of belonging, boost their confidence, and help them build skills that will serve them for life.
Unfortunately, when girls struggle to make or keep friends, the impact can be significant. As parents and caregivers, understanding why friendships matter — and how to support our daughters in developing the right friendships — is one of the most important things we can do.
1. Friendships in Elementary School Can Boost Academic Growth
Friendships aren’t just a “nice to have” at school — they can actually play a powerful role in academic success. When girls feel connected to their peers, they’re more likely to feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn. This sense of belonging reduces anxiety and allows the brain to focus on absorbing and applying new information, rather than worrying about social dynamics.
Strong friendships also encourage positive classroom behaviors. Children who have supportive peers tend to participate more, collaborate better in group projects, and are more likely to take academic risks — like raising their hand to answer a tough question or trying something new. These seemingly small actions build confidence and engagement over time.
Studies have shown that students who have close friends at school are more likely to have higher grades and better attitudes toward learning.¹ Positive peer relationships can even help with developing communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking, all of which contribute to stronger academic performance.
For girls in particular, friendships often serve as a foundation for emotional security. When they know they have a trusted friend by their side, they’re more likely to feel comfortable exploring their abilities, participating in discussions, and embracing challenges. This emotional safety net helps them thrive academically and socially.
2. Lack of Friendships Can Lead to Declines in Mental Health
Social isolation isn’t just lonely — it can be harmful. A lack of close friendships is linked to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of sadness in children. For girls, whose social connections often play a key role in their sense of identity and confidence, having no friends can deeply affect emotional well
3. Being Friendless Increases Susceptibility to Peer Pressure
Girls without solid friendships may feel pressure to conform to others to “fit in,” even when it goes against their values. Positive friendships act as a protective buffer— giving girls a sense of belonging that helps them stand strong when faced with negative influences.
4. No Friendships Can Mean Less Classroom Participation
When girls don’t have friends, they’re less likely to raise their hands, join group projects, or speak up in class. Friendships build confidence, which leads to greater participation, more meaningful learning experiences, and stronger relationships with teachers.
How Parents Can Help Girls Build the Right Friendships
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping kids develop healthy, supportive friendships. Here are a few ways to support them:
Model positive relationships. Let your child see how you treat your friends with kindness and respect.
Create opportunities for connection. Arrange playdates, invite classmates to bake or craft, and provide social spaces where friendships can grow naturally.
Talk about friendship values. Encourage your child to look for friends who are kind, honest, and supportive — and to be that kind of friend, too.
Use tools that build social-emotional skills.
👉 Our interactive book, My Crumby Guide to Baking & Friendship Making, is a fun way to help girls develop friendship skills while baking together. With stories, activities, and conversation prompts, it makes learning about friendship easy and meaningful — all while creating special memories in the kitchen.
Friendships at school are more than playtime—they’re building blocks for confidence, connection, and growth. By supporting girls as they navigate friendships, we give them the tools they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically for years to come.
