ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the notion of friendship and the development of friendship skills, and the ways in which young people can and should develop their ability to cope with and manage conflict effectively. It is important that they do not see conflict as always having to be a negative thing but rather can view it as something out of which change can happen and positive outcomes can result. It is also important that they develop specific strategies and systems for coping effectively with such conflict. One of the key aspects of a successful transition for young people is the opportunity to develop new friendships and subsequently improve their self-esteem and confidence. Children who are socially confident and able to build and sustain positive relationships with others tend to experience less stress on transfer or transition. This would suggest that there is an ongoing need to help and support children to develop their social and emotional skills.
