Image of two teen girls sitting together on a lounge, chatting.

Friendships and teenagers

There are a number of things you can try in order to help your teenager develop positive friendships. If you'd like to understand more about the importance of teen friendship, read our fact sheet on Friendships and teenagers.

Otherwise, see below for some top tips on what you can do to help your teenager make strong and lasting friendships.

Two girls laughing in park with arms around each other

The importance of friendships during adolescence

Learning positive friendship skills can help teenagers in social situations.

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Tips to teach your teenager to be a good friend

Hear from other parents about how they teach their teenagers to develop positive friendships.

three girls talking

Teenagers making friends - can parents help?

Figure out how you can support your shy or introverted teenager to build connections.

teenage guy talking to parents

Talking to your teen about bad friendships

Learn how to support your teenager through negative peer relationships.

mother and son hugging

How to help your teen when they’re feeling lonely and isolated

When your teen feels lonely or isolated, they need you more than ever. Get some tips on how to support them through.

Sian sitting down in her backyard with her dogs

How my parents helped my loneliness

We asked two young people what it felt like to be lonely and how their parents helped them.

A young person is lying on their stomach on a bed using a tablet with guitar visible in the background.

Should I be worried my teen is making friends online?

Worried your teen is making friends online? Learn more about online friendships, why they can be beneficial and how to keep your teen safe in our guide.

Related topics

Understanding teenage peer pressureLow self-esteem in teenagersHow to be a supportive parent to your teenagerTalking with your teen about mental health
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Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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