Social

• Social development involves learning how to interact socially with other individuals in the family and society in general. Social development provides the opportunities and skills that enable people to develop relationships. Not all individuals will experience social relationships in the same way.
• Jean Piaget highlighted the importance of play for learning and development.
• Solo play:

  When infants play independently it is known as solo play. It starts in infancy and is common at this life stage because they have limited social, cognitive, and physical skills. Solo play provides infants with a variety of learning opportunities, in particular the chance to explore the environment at their own pace. It can help infants to focus their attention, become self-reliant, learn by making mistakes and increase their self-esteem.
• Parallel play:

  Between the ages of 2 and 3, infants move from solo play to playing alongside other children. They have not yet developed the sharing and turn-taking skills required for co-operative play. Although infants are engaged in similar activities, there will be little interaction as each infant will be engrossed in their own independent activity, which is not influenced or shared with others. However, although infants may appear not to interact with others, they do show an interest in what other children are doing and still like to be in the presence of adults and other children.
• Co-operative play:

  Between the ages of 3 and 8, children begin to widen their social network group, form relationships with their peers. By 3, a child has become more co-operative in their play, helped by their language development. For example, playing together with other children, sharing toys and taking turns in games. By the age of 7, most children have established a number of important friendships. Play is essential for communication skills and negotiating roles. By responding to their peers' feelings, children learn to be more co-operative in their play.
• Ages and stages of play:

  
• The importance of friendships and friendship groups-

  Social benefits of friendships:

  On a practical level, friends can help an individual cope with traumatic life events, for example serious illness or bereavement. Close friendships can help support an individual to maintain a healthy lifestyle, for example by encouragement to avoid excessive drinking or take regular exercise. On an emotional level, friendship groups can help people avoid loneliness, provide a sense of belonging, a sense of self-worth and self-confidence. This can lead to reduction of stress and depression.
• As people get older, friendships may take a back seat due to changing interests or circumstances. Other priorities begin to emerge, career and home commitments, caring for children or vulnerable parents, and may lead to friendship groups growing apart.
• Effects of peer pressure on social development:

  Between the ages of 9 and 18, young people enter puberty and adolescence, and there is a close link between their social and emotional development. During adolescence, young people become more independent, socialising outside the family and gaining more freedom. Peer groups play an important part in this stage of social development and begin to have a greater influence on values, views and opinions. Peer pressure can be challenging for teenagers and their families, for example encouraging risky behaviour.
• Developing relationships with others:

  Friendship between young children is very different from friendship between older children, adolescents or adults. Young children tend to form relationships based on play. They quickly fall out with each other and just as quickly make up.
• Developing relationships with others:

  Relationships for older children, adolescents and adults are more complex and may involve much more than friendship. This may require new skills. Just as children grow and develop in an observable sequence, the ability to develop relationships also tends to follow a pattern. As children mature and start to think beyond their own needs and are able to see the world from other people's viewpoints, they become able to develop meaningful relationships.
• Relationships with others may be informal or formal. Informal relationships develop within families and significant people in individuals' lives. They start in infancy and develop into strong bonds as they are built on trust and understanding. Informal relationships promote a positive self-concept that prepares adolescents and adults for developing intimate relationships that show mutual respect.
• Formal relationships develop in different contexts between people who are not related or friends, for instance between colleagues or between teacher and pupil.

  Formal relationships do not involve emotional attachments but are important to social development. They demand different skills, confidence and self-esteem. Children who have positive relationships with family and others are likely to be successful in developing effective formal relationships.
• The development of social relationships

  
• Development of independence through Infancy:

  In infancy, young children are totally dependent on others for their care but, towards the end of this life stage, they begin to assert their need to become independent and attempt to do more for themselves. This comes with increased skills and abilities in dressing and feeding themselves.
• Development of independence through childhood:

  In early childhood, although still very dependent on parents and carers, they are widening their experience - starting school and joining clubs and activities outside the home. Children gradually become less reliant on close family and start to make their own decisions. Initially, these may be limited to activities, food choices or which clothes to wear but, by the time they reach the end of this life stage, they will have developed clear likes and dislikes.
• Development of independence through adolescence:

  Peer influence in adolescence

  In adolescence, young people begin to question their sense of identity, and who they are, and begin to see themselves as separate and independent from their family. Young people may begin to question their family's values and become influenced by peer group norms and values. Peer influence can lead a young person to question choices and decisions that have been made on their behalf.

  Young people can learn from real-life experiences about the consequences of making good or poor choices.
• Development of independence through-Early adulthood:

  Starting employment between 16 and 18 is a crucial transition for young people, transitioning from learner to employed worker.

  It requires adapting to workplace rules and routines, and gaining financial independence through managing finances and developing budgeting skills. This is a step towards full independence.
• Development of independence through-

  Leaving home is a crucial transition for young people in their early twenties, allowing them to achieve independence and self-reliance. This transition involves making sacrifices, such as a lower standard of living, and developing new skills like juggling household chores with work and managing bills.
• Development of independence:

  Starting a family can be a significant life change, requiring lifestyle changes and financial difficulties. New parents must prioritize their baby's needs, often sacrificing their career or working patterns. This can impact financial and emotional independence. Despite family support, the ultimate responsibility lies with the new parents, who must manage time and energy demands.
• Development of independence through middle adulthood:

  Middle adulthood is a time of increased independence, choice, and freedom, with fewer family responsibilities, career peaking, and more disposable income. This stage also allows for social networks and travel. However, pension system changes may lead to longer work or part-time work, and restrictions on independent lifestyles may arise.
• Development of independence through older adulthood:

  The UK is an ageing society, with a 73% rise in centenarians in the last decade, and many people remain active in their 80s and 90s. After retirement, many older people maintain independence through free bus passes and concessionary entrance costs. The internet and social media help explore new interests and relationships. However, some older people may disengage from society, especially if their loved ones have passed away, leading to loneliness and vulnerability.