Colman Noctor: We need to step in and help our children to build friendships 

Social media has undoubtedly affected children’s social and emotional development

"Could the influence of screen-based communication add to the harshness of some interactions and a lack of appreciation of the value of friendship?"

The presence or absence of good friendships can be crucial in determining how a child journeys through childhood. I have met many children who experienced significant loss or trauma in their lives, and the presence of a strong friendship group was the most protective factor in their negotiation of those challenges.

I have also met young people who would have been spared significant trauma if they had not been excluded from peer groups or had to negotiate childhood without a meaningful friendship.