The BFF

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

12 Sep 2011 11:45 PM

My daughter has a wonderful BFF.

Make that 20 BFFs.

At the end of each school day she tells me about all the fun she had playing with her BFF... du jour.

My kid is an equal opportunity playmate and sees everyone as a potential best friend.

She's seven.

At first I thought it was sweet that she rotated BFFs amongst the gaggle of girls and boys in her grade. Then, I wondered if she was the only kid in the class without a true blue pal. However, after reading a new report about bullying and the social ostracization of young kids, I am counting my blessings that my child is not the peanut butter to some other kid's jelly.

A study conducted by leading child psychologists claims that it is a misconception that kids need a BFF with whom to share their innermost feelings. In fact, the group of experts warns parents about the pitfalls associated with kids pairing up or forming small cliques.

Researchers are now looking to take the results of their study to schools across the United States in an effort to help teachers and administrators reduce the number of bullying incidents on campus.

According to experts, encouraging kids to be inclusive and pair up with one best friend is not a good idea, especially in elementary school. The psychologists want teachers to deter students from forming relationships that exclude others, and instead have them socialize in big groups and not be so possessive about friends.

Unfortunately, those teachers may be facing an uphill battle. A recent Harris Interactive poll of nearly 3,000 8- to 24-year-olds found that 94 percent of respondents have at least one close friend. What's more, those queried also believe that close childhood friendships are pivotal in helping form future relationships.

Do you think parents and teachers should discourage kids from having a best buddy?

Related Articles:

Is Your Child a Bully?

Study Shows Most Bullied Kids are Overweight

Bullying may be a good reason to homeschool

When the Teacher is the Bully

Is Your Toddler Destined to be a Troublemaker?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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