A new Concordia University study finds that socially excluded children may become more accepted by peers if they have a well-liked best friend — but the same effect does not apply to children who are withdrawn or shy. Researchers tracked 252 Montreal elementary students and found that a friend’s social standing can help reduce exclusion over time, suggesting schools should tailor interventions differently for excluded versus withdrawn children.

A new study tracking nearly 400 students ages 9 to 14 found that when mothers strongly disapprove of a child’s friends, those friendships are far more likely to unravel. Researchers discovered that parental criticism can quietly erode friendships by making children feel unsupported and unwelcome — weakening trust, closeness and connection until the relationship collapses. The findings also raise concerns that breaking up friendships this way may come at a cost, potentially contributing to emotional and social problems later on.