One area that intrigues me is the function of peer relationships in learning. Studies have indicated that peer support networks with strong social support enhance the feeling of belonging, motivating students and improving their emotional well-being. It is important to recognize the negative effects peer relationships can have on learning as well. Negative peer experiences such as exclusion or peer pressure heighten anxiety and reduce self-esteem, dramatically damaging important educational outcomes. The evidence is overwhelming that concepts such as belongingness, emotional safety, and social sources of support are critical for understanding how peer relationships (or peer problems) can... negatively and positively affect learning. For educators, this reminds us that encouraging and creating positive peer interactions is as vital as teaching content - and that learning is always influenced by the social environment that surrounds it.