A new study tracking nearly 400 students ages 9 to 14 found that when mothers strongly disapprove of a child’s friends, those friendships are far more likely to unravel. Researchers discovered that parental criticism can quietly erode friendships by making children feel unsupported and unwelcome — weakening trust, closeness and connection until the relationship collapses. The findings also raise concerns that breaking up friendships this way may come at a cost, potentially contributing to emotional and social problems later on.

A joint results conference of nine projects from the Transformative Change Cluster will bring together around 150 participants from science and policy on 4–5 June 2026 at Comet Louise, Brussels.