Junior high or middle school is a critical time for developing social skills as children navigate more complex social dynamics and relationships.

Here are some important social skills that junior high kids should strive to develop:

1. Empathy: Encourage junior high kids to consider the feelings and perspectives of others. Teach them to recognize and empathize with the emotions of their peers, which helps foster understanding and compassion.
2. Active Listening: Teach junior high kids the importance of active listening, which involves giving their full attention to the speaker, maintaining eye contact, and responding appropriately. Encourage them to ask questions and show interest in what others have to say.
3. Respect: Instill in junior high kids the value of respecting others, regardless of differences in opinions, backgrounds, or abilities. Teach them to treat their peers with kindness, courtesy, and consideration.
4. Conflict Resolution: Equip junior high kids with the skills to resolve conflicts peacefully and constructively. Teach them techniques for effective communication, negotiation, and compromise to address disagreements and misunderstandings.
5. Assertiveness: Teach junior high kids to assert themselves respectfully and confidently in social situations. Encourage them to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions assertively while also respecting the rights and boundaries of others.
6. Friendship Skills: Help junior high kids develop healthy friendships by teaching them skills such as initiating conversations, making and maintaining eye contact, sharing interests and experiences, and resolving conflicts.
7. Self-Advocacy: Encourage junior high kids to advocate for themselves in various situations, such as seeking help from teachers, expressing their needs in group settings, and standing up for themselves assertively and respectfully.
8. Peer Pressure Resistance: Teach junior high kids strategies for resisting negative peer pressure and making positive choices that align with their values and goals. Encourage them to trust their instincts, assert their boundaries, and seek support from trusted adults when needed.
9. Digital Citizenship: Educate junior high kids about responsible and ethical behavior online, including the importance of respecting others’ privacy, practicing good digital etiquette, and avoiding cyberbullying and online harassment.
10. Cultural Sensitivity: Foster cultural sensitivity and inclusivity by teaching junior high kids to appreciate diversity, recognize stereotypes and biases, and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

By developing these social skills, junior high kids can build strong and meaningful relationships, navigate social challenges with confidence, and contribute positively to their communities.