CHICAM

Children's social relations in peer groups:
inclusion, exclusion and friendships

Policy Recommendations

There should be greater provision of more ‘playful’ and well organised extra curricular activities and social centres where children can meet and socialise across cultures as well as opportunities for ‘sustaining their ‘own’ cultural activities. These should include:

A diverse programme of sports, arts and media activities
Programmes that encourage access to the arts and sports facilities of the places of residence
Programmes of events and outings within and outside schools that allow children to experience other peoples and places

Specific activities appear useful in helping children to form friendships. Media work appears to be attractive, as does anything involving their musical tastes. Investment in information technology does not necessarily lead to use of these resources. Social bonds are often more important than other instrumental activities. Good social spaces should therefore concentrate more on the climate and the interaction than the infrastructure.

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