Friendships & belonging
Friendships can change, and joining in can take courage. You can talk with Ms Jordaan about disagreements, feeling left out or finding your people.
Talk it through →Try a friendship scenario
A message feels unkind
A friend sends a short reply that sounds rude. You are not sure what they meant.
Choose a next step to explore what might happen.
A practice space, not a test. If you feel unsafe, ask a trusted adult for help.
Explore your circle of control
When friendships feel complicated, ask: “What part can I choose?” You cannot control another person’s thoughts or actions, but you can choose your next step and ask for support.
What someone else says
Who others choose to be friends with
My boundaries
Asking for help
How I respond
Try it: a friend does not reply
Outside my control: when they reply or what they are thinking.
Inside my control: give them time, avoid guessing why, send one kind check-in and do something else I enjoy.
Try it: I feel left out
Outside my control: every invitation or someone else’s choices.
Inside my control: tell a friend how I feel, invite someone to join me, try a club or talk to a trusted adult.
Tips for managing friendships
- Start small: say hello, ask a question or join an activity you enjoy.
- Listen and make space: take turns, show interest and include others.
- Check before assuming: ask calmly what happened rather than relying on rumours or a short message.
- Use “I” statements: “I felt left out when that happened. Can we talk?”
- Pause when upset: take a break before replying, especially in a group chat.
- Set kind boundaries: “I’m not comfortable with that” or “Please stop.”
- Repair mistakes: own your part, apologise clearly and show change through your actions.
- Allow room to grow: you can have different friends and interests while treating one another respectfully.
When should I ask for help?
If behaviour is repeated, threatening, humiliating or makes you feel unsafe, speak to Ms Jordaan, a teacher or another trusted adult. You do not have to handle bullying alone or try to solve it by being kinder.
For online harm, keep evidence if safe, avoid forwarding hurtful messages and ask an adult to help with reporting or blocking.
Talk with Ms Jordaan →Try one small step
Choose someone you feel comfortable around. Say hello, ask about an interest or invite them to join a simple activity. If something feels unkind or unsafe, ask a trusted adult for help.




