Problem: How can I make notes with bullet points in this paragraph? Peers also can help children improve their social skills and experience increased peer acceptance. Unpopular children are likely to find it easier to gain acceptance when they interact with younger, less-threatening children. Harlow first observed this phenomenon: He found that the negative effects of being isolated from other monkeys early in life could be reversed by sustained contact with younger monkeys (Suomi & Harlow, 1972). This finding led researchers to examine the effect that contact with younger peers had on withdrawn 4- and 5-year-old children (Furman et al., 1979). As the primate research predicted, the withdrawn children became more sociable. Interacting with children of both sexes is another way peers can help. Cross gender and same-gender play can introduce boys and girls to a broader range of behavioral styles and activities. It can expand unpopular children's pool of potential friends and promote a better understanding of qualities that both sexes share. In one study, researchers demonstrated that 3rd and 4th graders who had both cross gender and same-gender friendships were more socially skilled and accepted than children whose only friendships were with peers of the other gender (Kovacs et al., 1996). Similarly, children may gain peer acceptance when they make the transition to middle school because it offers them the opportunity to interact with a larger number and variety of peers. Need Assignment Help?