3 h. ago One in four children feels excluded as they struggle to make friends

Parents have explained the barriers to children's happiness

Politics

6 d. ago I've spent 45 years being bullied and struggling to make friends. It was only this year that I discovered why

My lifetime of social exclusion began with a game of tag at school. I must have been about five. A girl in the playground asked me if I wanted to join in with her and her friends.

Politics

1 week ago Our daughter is being controlled by a school friend. What can we do?

This is a horrible situation. It would be difficult even for an adult, so your daughter definitely needs actionOur 11-year-old daughter is in a “friendship” with a classmate, which we have come to realise is unhealthy and controlling. She was very shy and self-conscious through the early years of school and struggled to make friends, so we were initially delighted that she had found a close friend. However, we’ve become aware that there is a consistent pattern of control from this girl: demands about when and where they meet, or what our daughter can and can’t wear. If our daughter goes against her, she risks being shunned and ignored or spoken to aggressively.This girl does not let our daughter interact with others without her. There is a barrage of demanding messages and calls at home about arrangements, and we see our daughter being vigilant and tense, having to respond immediately. Sometimes there is unkindness, for example saying our daughter’s clothes are babyish. Around the c...

Politics

1 week ago Sue Perkins opens up about fears for friendship with Mel Giedroyc amid personal health struggles

Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc have been friends for over 35 years and have worked together on a number of successful TV shows, but Sue feared their friendship would be 'destroyed'

Politics

1 week ago 'I was a child carer for my mute parents and lacked confidence

Miira, 26, an only child, grew up caring for her deaf and mute Sri Lankan parents from the age of six. She arrived in London at 11 speaking little English and life in a silent household made her quiet and shy, and she struggled to make friends at school. Still, despite these obstacles — and the weight of being a young carer — Miira got herself into university, where she studied Accounting and Financial Information Systems, and then landed a job as a financial assistant.

Society

2 w. ago Gen Z hit with 'friendflation' as they struggle to keep up with pals in cost of living crisis

Gen Z and Millenials have confessed their money strains when it comes to trying to maintain friendships during the ever rising cost of living - and why 'friendflation' is real

Events

4 w. ago SARAH VINE: Rachel Reeves' property tax is the latest proof of Labour's nasty and disturbing vision for Britain. They despise hard

Owning represents security. I look at friends who are struggling financially in a cruel and challenging job market, and I think: however bad it may be, at least they've got somewhere to live.

Politics