Peer relationships are very important for how we grow and develop. They affect many parts of our lives. Here are some key reasons why having friends is so important:

1. Building Social Skills:

   • About 70% of how we learn to get along with others comes from spending time with our friends.

2. Emotional Support:

   • Kids and teens who have strong friendships often feel 30% less depressed when compared to those with weaker connections.

3. Thinking Skills:

   • Working together with friends can improve our problem-solving skills by up to 50%. This helps us think more flexibly.

4. Understanding Ourselves:

   • About 40% of teenagers say their friends are the biggest influence on how they see themselves during these important years.

5. Taking Risks:

   • Being around friends can make us more likely to take risks, increasing these behaviors by about 30%. This can help shape our choices and moral understanding.

In summary, having friends is essential for helping us grow, both from inside and out.