Healthy relationships: a toolkit for primary schools

Friendships and conflict in primary school

Friendships play an important role in a child’s development. They offer connection, build confidence and help support emotional wellbeing. But disagreements and conflict can happen in any relationship, and without the tools to manage these moments, pupils may find themselves feeling overwhelmed or isolated.

What this toolkit covers

This four-part lesson toolkit, assembly, teacher guidance, and parent/carer guidance supports primary-aged pupils to develop the skills and understanding they need to build healthy friendships and manage conflict in ways that support their mental wellbeing. 

Pupils will explore key topics including empathy, emotional regulation and the difference between disagreement and conflict. They will also learn how to identify and use constructive conflict resolution strategies, both offline and online.

The toolkit offers cross-curricular activities using drama, comprehension and discussion, with a strong emphasis on student voice and collaborative learning.

What pupils can gain from this toolkit

This toolkit supports pupils to:

• understand how healthy friendships support wellbeing

• recognise the difference between disagreement and conflict

• explore the impact of digital communication on peer relationships

• learn practical ways to resolve conflict safely and respectfully

• reflect on their experiences and know when and how to ask for help.

The guidance for education staff and parents and carers should be used alongside the teaching resources, to ensure that the learning at school is embedded and supported with a consistent understanding, approach and language by the key adults around the child.

Changes to social media access for under-16s

The UK government has announced plans for a social media ban for under-16s, with the changes expected to come into force in spring 2027.

These resources explore friendships and online interactions rather than specific social media platforms. They focus on skills that students can use to navigate relationships and conflict, both online and offline.

We will review our resources in light of further government guidance and update them where needed.