TODAY'S KIDS MISS FRIENDS

They are so used to playing on their computers and MP3 players or watching TV alone, that many are unable to interact face-to-face with other youngsters.

The result is an increase in pupils struggling to form friendships and becoming ­lonely and isolated, says a Save the Children survey of British primary school teachers.

Over 70 per cent said they had witnessed internet chat rooms, computer games and mobile phones damaging the ability of children to make friends. Some 70 per cent said they had witnessed exclusion bullying and verbal bullying among the children they taught. Dr Anthony Kane, a behavioural specialist, says developing healthy social relationships is critical in a child’s development.

“Children who learn to relate well to others are more likely to become happy, well adjusted adults,” he said. “Difficulty in making and keeping friends leads to low self-esteem which usually continues into adulthood.”

Friendships are a buffer against stress and help to protect against psychological and psychiatric problems, he added.