Alex's Answer

Hi, you are very welcome to Ask Alex.

Thanks so much for reaching out to us today! Sounds like you are wondering if having no friends in secondary school will affect you for the rest of your life?

There are no guidelines to having friends. However, your personal happiness is very important. We value that your confidence and happiness in school is central to your wellbeing.

Every child and young person has the right to be happy and you have the right to be happy no matter what stage of school you are in.

I am wondering if you have anyone that you might be able to talk to around what is going on for you. Is there anyone in your life that you have been able to reach out to in the past? Sometimes it can be helpful to have a think about this, to see who might be able to offer support to you around how you are feeling now.

We would really like to talk to you some more on this and see what affects friendships or lack of is having in your life.

It might be useful to know that on the Childline website there are some articles surrounding friendships which you can access here www.childline.ie/friends/ . You can also get in touch with us for a chat if you wish. Our services are available to you 24/7 for free. You can contact us by telephone on 1800 66 66 66, texting us on 50101 or have a web chat through the website www.childline.ie. Childline is a confidential and safe place for you to have a chat without judgment. We do not use caller ID nor do with trace phone calls or IP addresses.

Thank you for contacting Ask Alex. Take care,

Alex