Friendships shape much of pupils' everyday experience of school, and respectful communication does not always come naturally, especially as friendships become more complex in early secondary school. Pupils benefit from practical language for setting boundaries, resolving disagreements and repairing friendships when things go wrong. Teaching respectful friendship skills proactively helps pupils build habits of communication and fairness before difficulties arise, rather than only addressing friendship problems after they escalate. This supports a more positive peer culture across the class and year group. The lesson also reinforces that pupils are not expected to manage every friendship difficulty alone, and that trusted adults are available if a situation feels too hard to resolve independently.