12 Dec 2024

What to do if your child has a 'toxic friend'

From Nine To Noon, 11:25 am on 12 December 2024

What should parents do when they're concerned their child has a mean or 'toxic' friend.

Granted these things are not always black or white - but it can be a tricky territory to manage for a parent, especially if a child is suffering.

But how do we know when to intervene, or what strategies can help the situation?

Jackie Riach, psychologist and manager of parenting organisation Triple P New Zealand, talks to Kathryn about her suggestions for parents worried about their kids' friends.

Little boy sitting alone on floor after suffering an act of bullying while children run in the background.

Photo: 123RF

Get the RNZ app

for easy access to all your favourite programmes

Subscribe to Nine To Noon

Podcast (MP3) Oggcast (Vorbis)