For many young people, some of the hardest moments at school aren’t about schoolwork – they’re about friendship. Feeling left out. Being bullied. A friendship ending. Not knowing where they fit.

In this episode, Anita talks with Michelle Mitchell about friendships and how we can help young people feel more capable and confident in their relationships. Michelle shares why friendship is one of the most important and often overlooked skill sets we can help young people develop.
“Competence equals confidence.”

We explore:
• the safety, chemistry and effort framework for understanding what makes friendships work
• practical “one-liners” that help young people set boundaries and say no with confidence
• the difference between validating a young person’s feelings and simply taking their side
• loneliness and bullying among young people, and how technology is changing relationships — including the growing tendency for some young people to turn to AI before a trusted adult or friend
• how we can build young people’s capability in friendships, rather than simply trying to fix their friendship problems

It’s a reminder that confidence isn’t something we can hand young people. It’s something they build through experience, supported by the adults around them.
I loved this conversation and the warmth and wisdom Michelle brings to this important work.

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