For Hawkesbury teenagers navigating school, friendships and the transition to adulthood, feeling part of a supportive group could play an important role in helping them cope with life’s challenges.
New research from Adelaide University suggests a sense of belonging within a friendship group is more strongly associated with resilience than support from one close friend alone.
The findings offer a useful perspective for local schools, sporting clubs and youth organisations working to help young people build connections.
Led by School of Psychology lecturer and researcher Dr Sarah Halliday, the study analysed more than 21,000 responses from South Australian public-school students in Years 9 to 12.
The students had completed the 2025 Wellbeing and Engagement Collection, answering questions about resilience, belonging within a peer group and the support they felt they received from a close friend.
Dr Halliday and former psychology honours student Bastian Miliotis examined how these different forms of friendship related to resilience among adolescents aged 15 to 18.
“Establishing resilience in adolescence is a crucial part of healthy growth and identity development,” Dr Halliday said.
“Resilience in adolescence is also valuable for the transition to well-adjusted adulthood and helping to avoid longer-term mental distress.”
Published in the journal Youth & Society, the findings showed peer-group belonging was a stronger predictor of resilience across the ages studied, even after accounting for personal differences that might influence both friendships and resilience.
The research identifies an association; it does not establish that joining a larger friendship group directly causes greater resilience.
Dr Halliday suggested groups could offer teenagers more opportunities to observe how others manage difficulties and develop coping skills.
“This could be because in a group you have more people role modelling behaviours and skills, so you're exposed to more resilient behaviours than you would be with one close friend,” she said.
Established friendships could also provide shared history and trust, strengthening a young person’s sense of belonging.
The message is about helping teenagers feel included and supported, rather than measuring their wellbeing by how many friends they have. Close friendships remain part of that wider network.
Dr Halliday said schools should encourage inclusive peer networks that also make room for intimate friendships.
“School environments should prioritise fostering diverse peer group opportunities that provide multiple sources of support, connection, and skill development opportunities,” she said.
For Hawkesbury schools and community groups, the findings highlight the potential value of creating welcoming spaces where teenagers can build friendships and feel they have a place.
You don’t need to wait until things feel overwhelming to ask for help.
Not sure where to begin? Call headspace Hawkesbury or Kids Helpline. A trusted adult, school counsellor or GP can also help you take the first step.
Local and ongoing support:
- headspace Hawkesbury — 1800 517 171
Free support for young people aged 12–25, covering mental health, physical health, alcohol and other drugs, work and study. Families and friends can also seek support.
Address: 120 Francis Street, Richmond.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm; 5pm–6pm sessions by appointment.
Email: headspacehawkesbury@uniting.org
Call to discuss getting started. - Youth Enhanced Support Service (YESS) — 02 8820 0737
Free support for young people aged 12–25 in the Hawkesbury who have more complex mental health needs. Appointments may be in person, online or through outreach. You can refer yourself, or seek help with a referral from family, friends or a health professional.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.
More information about YESS. - Medicare Mental Health — 1800 595 212
Free advice and help finding suitable local mental health services.
Hours: Weekdays, 8.30am–5pm, excluding public holidays. This is not an emergency service. - headspace online support
Free online mental health support, with one-to-one clinician chat listed as available 3pm–10pm local time. Create a free account at headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support.
