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Back to Workshops Ages 8-12 • Social Skills

Friendships

Identify good mates, fake mates, and handle peer pressure

35-45 minutes
Social Skills
Certificate Included

What You'll Learn

Not all friends are created equal. Some friends lift you up, support you, and make you better. Others might drag you down, pressure you, or only be around when it's convenient for them.

In this workshop, you'll learn how to spot the difference between good friends and fake friends, how to handle peer pressure, and how to build friendships that make you stronger.

Key Learning Points

1

Signs of a Good Friend

Real friends are happy for your successes, support you when you're down, include you, and respect your boundaries. They bring out the best in you.

2

Red Flags in Friendships

Fake friends only show up when they need something, gossip about you, pressure you to do things you're uncomfortable with, or make you feel bad about yourself.

3

Peer Pressure is Normal

Everyone faces peer pressure. The key is knowing when to say no, how to say it confidently, and surrounding yourself with people who respect your choices.

4

You Choose Your Circle

You have the power to choose who you spend time with. It's okay to distance yourself from friendships that don't feel right or make you uncomfortable.

Activity 1: Good Friend vs. Fake Friend

Learn to spot the difference

Read each scenario and identify whether this is a good friend or a fake friend behavior.

🟢 Good Friend

Scenario: Your friend celebrates when you win an award, even though they didn't win one.

🔴 Fake Friend

Scenario: They only text you when they need help with homework but ignore you at lunch.

🟢 Good Friend

Scenario: They stand up for you when others gossip about you behind your back.

🔴 Fake Friend

Scenario: They pressure you to lie to your parents so you can hang out with them.

Activity 2: Friendship Assessment

Evaluate your current friendships

Think about a friend. Answer these questions honestly to understand if this friendship is healthy.

Activity 3: Handling Peer Pressure

Practice saying no confidently

For each peer pressure scenario, write how you would respond confidently and respectfully.

💡 Ways to Say No:

  • ✨ "No thanks, I'm good."
  • ✨ "That's not really my thing."
  • ✨ "I don't feel comfortable with that."
  • ✨ "Maybe another time."
  • ✨ "I'm going to pass."

Scenario Responses:

Scenario 1: "Come on, everyone's doing it!"

Your friends want you to watch a movie you're not allowed to watch.

Scenario 2: "Don't be a chicken!"

They dare you to do something dangerous or break a rule.

Scenario 3: "If you were really my friend..."

They guilt-trip you into doing what they want.

Activity 4: My Friendship Standards

Define what you want in friendships

Create your friendship standards checklist. What do you need from your friends?
Honesty: They tell me the truth, even when it's hard
Loyalty: They have my back and don't gossip about me
Support: They cheer me on and celebrate my wins
Respect: They respect my boundaries and decisions
Authenticity: I can be myself around them
Fun: We enjoy spending time together
Good Influence: They bring out the best in me

✍️ My Additional Friendship Standards:

Final Reflection

"Think about your friendships right now. Are there any that might need some boundaries or distance? Are there friendships you want to invest more time in? What's one thing you'll do this week to be a better friend?"

Congratulations!

You've completed the Friendships workshop

  • Learned to identify good friends vs. fake friends
  • Assessed current friendships honestly
  • Practiced handling peer pressure
  • Created your friendship standards
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