Communities serve as essential environments for urban residents’ daily lives. However, modern urban communities often exhibit a pronounced estrangement in interpersonal relationships, significantly affecting children’s social competencies and psychological development. The establishment of child-friendly communities has emerged as a crucial objective in urban development; however, Tong Lianmeng posits that the initial priority must be to restore amicable relationships within these communities, particularly among children’s peer networks.

1. Current Challenges in Children’s Peer Relationships within Communities

Urbanization and Community Estrangement: The progress of urbanization has led to the erosion of traditional neighborhood ties. High-rise constructions have supplanted low-rise dwellings, and enclosed living environments have limited resident interactions. Historically, children engaged with one another in communal yards, fostering familiarity and collective growth. Today, children are predominantly confined to small living quarters or schools, significantly lacking opportunities for organic interactions with neighbors and peers. Tang Hairu, a member of the Hangzhou Municipal Committee’s consulting council and former chief engineer at the Hangzhou Planning and Design Institute, reminisced in the preface of “Child-Friendly Practices in China (Volume 1)” about his childhood residence, where families shared a single utility meter, and meter reading was entrusted to local children. This task facilitated social interactions and provided practical applications of mathematical skills.

Shifts in Family Structure: The long-standing one-child policy has resulted in many children growing up without siblings, thus diminishing opportunities for socialization within the family unit. Although this policy has been gradually relaxed, its effects remain significant. According to the 2023 Survey Report on Public Fertility Concepts in China, the predominant preference for ideal family size is two children, with a strong inclination towards having one. Traditional views on fertility, such as relying on children for eldercare and the belief that more children equate to more fortune, are gradually diminishing. Gender-neutral perspectives on fertility have become prevalent, shifting motivations from societal obligations to individual desires, with lower motivations for childbearing among women compared to men. Consequently, many children lack peer companionship at home, increasing their reliance on external friendships; however, the current community framework fails to adequately support such relationships.

The Digital Age’s Impact: With advancements in technology, electronic devices and online platforms significantly monopolize children’s time. The “2024 Report on Teenagers’ Internet Usage” indicates that the number of underage internet users in China exceeded 193 million in 2022, achieving a 97.2% internet penetration rate. This underscores the deepening relationship between adolescents and digital technology, with an increasing tendency to socialize through electronic means. Social media and video games are gradually supplanting face-to-face interactions, resulting in diminished direct engagement among children. Although online communication provides some social opportunities, it often lacks the depth and authenticity necessary to substitute for real-life peer relationships.

Pressures of the Educational System: In the contemporary educational framework, children experience significant academic pressure, driven by high standards and intense competition, alongside elevated societal and familial expectations for their futures. Extracurricular tutoring and homework consume a majority of their time, reducing opportunities for leisure activities and peer interaction. This constrained lifestyle undermines children’s social skills and adversely affects their mental well-being.

2. The Necessity of Reestablishing Peer Relationships

Ensuring Mental Health: Stable peer relationships play a crucial role in promoting children’s mental well-being. Through interactions with their peers, children acquire skills to manage interpersonal conflicts, express emotions, share resources, and establish trust. Empirical evidence demonstrates that peer support models are effectively utilized in addressing the mental health needs of left-behind children, alleviating their psychological challenges by creating networks of companionship. This model promotes mutual support among peers, enabling introverted left-behind children to develop greater optimism and self-confidence, while also fostering a culture of positivity, collaboration, and solidarity within the school environment.

Development of Social Skills: Engaging with peers facilitates the development of critical social skills in children, including communication, cooperation, leadership, and empathy. These competencies not only enhance their academic performance but also provide a foundational framework for their future integration into society. Particularly in diverse peer groups, children are exposed to various cultures and values, which encourages the cultivation of inclusivity and respect for multicultural perspectives.

Strengthening Community Cohesion: The restoration of peer relationships not only supports children’s individual development but also significantly enhances community cohesion. As children forge meaningful friendships within the community, their parents are more likely to cultivate supportive social networks. This dual impact fosters a more harmonious community atmosphere. Increased community cohesion empowers residents to collaboratively tackle local challenges, such as environmental maintenance and public safety, with children and their families actively participating in these initiatives.

Children who are isolated and lack peer support are at greater risk for behavioral problems, academic failures, and mental health issues. Those without peer support may display higher rates of aggression or antisocial behavior. Positive peer interactions facilitate the learning of social norms and self-regulation. When children are interconnected within the community, residents are more likely to recognize and report potential problematic behaviors, allowing for early intervention and ultimately reducing social costs.

3. Strategies for Constructing Child-Friendly Communities through Peer Relationships

To effectively reestablish children’s peer relationships and create a genuinely child-friendly community, the following strategies are essential:

Design Open and Shared Public Spaces: It is crucial to provide ample play areas and interactive spaces that cater to the interests and abilities of children across different age groups. Such environments not only allow children to engage in free play but also foster social skills and facilitate the formation of friendships. Community organizers should leverage these public spaces by hosting regular interactive activities that strengthen connections among children, thereby promoting their physical and mental well-being. These designs enhance the overall vibrancy of the community, creating a more appealing living environment for families and establishing the community as a place for shared growth, particularly for children.

Encourage Parent-Child Activities and Community Engagement: Thoughtfully designed parent-child activities enable families to integrate into community life, yielding benefits for both parents and children. Regular events, such as family days, parent-child sports competitions, and community markets, provide opportunities for relaxation and quality family time while effectively promoting communication and cooperation within families. These events also serve as a platform for children to interact with peers and build friendships, facilitating the development of social skills and teamwork. Additionally, such activities enhance interaction and understanding among community members, fostering a warm and supportive atmosphere that increases residents’ sense of belonging and satisfaction, further strengthening community development.

Establish Diverse Educational and Social Platforms: Beyond traditional school settings, the community should consider establishing comprehensive reading spaces and youth activity centers as vital venues for children’s learning and socialization. These facilities can host a variety of interest groups and book clubs, allowing children to explore their passions while meeting like-minded peers. This approach not only nurtures diverse interests and skills but also boosts children’s confidence and collaborative abilities through social interaction. Furthermore, these platforms can provide parents with opportunities to exchange educational experiences with one another, reinforcing the community’s support network. By diversifying educational and social offerings, the community can cultivate a dynamic environment conducive to learning and growth, helping each child discover their interests and direction.

Strengthen Mutual Support Networks within the Community: Communities should actively foster a culture of mutual assistance among neighbors, encouraging collaborative participation from parents and children in community governance. Establishing digital platforms, such as WeChat groups and community forums, allows residents to easily share information and communicate needs, facilitating prompt responses to each other’s requirements. This integration of online and offline interactions promotes understanding and support among neighbors, while also enabling the quick mobilization of resources to address emergencies or community needs, thereby enhancing overall community resilience. Additionally, organizing volunteer services and neighbor assistance initiatives can further cultivate trust and cooperation among residents, creating a tightly-knit support network that provides children with a safe, nurturing environment and parents with valuable support, resulting in a more cohesive and inclusive community.

Reduce Dependence on Digital Devices: While digital devices are integral to modern life, communities must actively work to reduce children’s reliance on electronic products to promote healthy development. By offering a range of engaging offline activities, communities can encourage children to disengage from the virtual world and rediscover the joys of real-life experiences. Organizing outdoor sports, hands-on crafts, and nature explorations allows children to engage in creativity and interaction, enhancing their practical skills and fostering teamwork. Moreover, these activities contribute to improved physical health and psychological well-being. Communities should also promote family involvement in these activities, strengthening parent-child bonds and reducing reliance on screens across the household. Through diverse offline initiatives, the community provides a healthy, positive environment for children’s growth while fostering a vibrant and interactive community atmosphere.

Promote a Positive Peer Culture: The restoration of peer relationships within the community should not only focus on rebuilding but also on guiding their development toward positive outcomes. The community must actively engage in educational initiatives to instill correct values among children. By organizing lectures, interactive workshops, and teamwork activities, the community can help children grasp the significance of mutual respect and solidarity, thereby cultivating healthy social skills in their peer interactions. This educational approach can help prevent negative behaviors such as bullying and promote mutual understanding and support among children, fostering a constructive peer culture. Furthermore, the community can invite role models—youth or adults exhibiting commendable character and leadership—to share their experiences, inspiring other children to embrace positive behaviors.

Peer relationships are a fundamental aspect of children’s socialization, significantly influencing their emotional development and social adaptability while largely determining their overall well-being and sense of belonging. In today’s social environment, the restoration and enhancement of these relationships are crucial for constructing child-friendly communities.