What to do if your teen isn’t making friends at school?

If your teen has just started a new school and hasn't made any friends, it is helpful to encourage them to join clubs to find like-minded people, remind them that friendships take time, and be there to support them.

It can be really hard to see your teen feeling lonely, but it’s more common than you might think - especially when starting a new school. It may feel really overwhelming and confusing for your teen if they haven't made any friends, but it is important to remember that most teens do find their people.

With over 3 in 5 teen girls in a recent luna poll saying their biggest worries about starting a new school are social pressures, it can be helpful to reassure your teen that they are not alone.

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What to do when your teenager has no friends at school?

If your teen doesn’t have friends yet, focus on building their confidence and self-esteem and creating opportunities to meet potential friends.

Small, gentle steps can make a big difference over time and help your teen make friends, and it will be worth the wait once they have found peers who really get them.

Tips you can share with your teen:

• Join clubs or activities: encourage your teen to try clubs, sports, or hobbies they enjoy - it’s one of the easiest ways to meet people with shared interests
• Be approachable: simple things like smiling or making eye contact can make starting friendships feel easier
• Start small conversations: asking about hobbies, lessons, or weekend plans can help break the ice
• Be patient: Remind your teen that close friendships don’t happen overnight - it’s okay if it takes time

If your teen has started a new school or transitioned to secondary school, it is important to remember that these big changes can mean that it takes time for them to settle into their social circle.

Why does your daughter have a hard time making friends?

There are many reasons teens might struggle to make friends, including shyness, low confidence, or simply not having found the right group yet. It doesn’t mean anything is “wrong.”

Reasons why teens may struggle with making friends include:

• Big transitions: starting a new school can feel overwhelming socially
• Confidence dips: if your teen is unsure of themself, they may find it harder to approach others
• Not finding “their people” yet: sometimes it just takes time to find like-minded friends
• Social skills are still developing: teens are still learning how to navigate friendships

Is it normal for a teen to not have friends?

Yes - it’s more common than many people realise for teens to go through periods of not having close friends, especially during school transitions. A recent luna poll found that 1 in 8 girls say they don’t have a bestie but wish they did.

Feeling lonely can be really painful, but it doesn’t mean it will last forever. Many teens go through phases where friendships change or take time to form. Remind your teen that it’s okay to feel lonely sometimes - and that it doesn’t define them or their future friendships.

What to remember when your teen is struggling to make friends

It’s really tough to watch your teen feel lonely, but your support makes a bigger difference than you might realise. By listening, encouraging small steps, and reminding your teen to be kind to themself, you’re already helping them navigate this.

Friendships take time, especially during big transitions like starting a new school. With patience and the right opportunities, things can and do change.

If your teen is looking for extra support, introduce them to luna - a supportive space where teens can find advice, build confidence, and feel less alone while navigating friendships and growing up.

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