KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Middle School Friendship

Middle School Friendship

According to new research in January issue of the Journal of Early Adolescence, the friends a child chooses in middle school may have a direct impact on their achievement in life.

Boys and girls who are socially active and have friends who don't engage in problem behavior perform better academically. And that can set a precedent, according to a study in the Journal of Early Adolescence.

"Most of my friends are just like I am. They're not doing anything risky or anything so it's not like I'm going against the group really," says 15 year old Sean.

It makes sense that kids benefit from positive peer relationships. But the study also highlights less obvious long-term effects of positive peers.

Researchers collected data from 1,278 students--55% of them girls and 45% boys-- and found that positive friendships in the middle school years can predict long-term academic achievement and successful life adjustments up to the adult age of 24.

Adolescent Psychologist Nick Long says, "There's some research to indicate that one of the best indicators of how well-adjusted we will be as adults is not based on IQ or grades in school, but the degree to which the child has good friendships."

Researchers say middle school is a time where the brain is changing, puberty is taking place, that's why experts urge educators to help children and parents learn ways to strengthen good peer relationships and improve the likelihood of academic success.