---
title: 'Video: How kids can use online connections to make friends in real life'
description: Should kids make friends online? Can online friendship help kids get better at social skills and making real-life connections? Expert Jodi Gold explains.
slug: video-how-your-child-can-use-online-connections-to-make-friends-in-real-life
author: The Understood Team
published: '2019-08-05T15:40:04.648Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/693FDADE848E4E2B8D9B89319AFB7850/5a7a9d25aa7ac9a4893800207da1ee1b/121917_Video_How_Your_Child_Can_Use_Online_Connections_to_Make_Friends_in_Real_Life.jpg
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/video-how-your-child-can-use-online-connections-to-make-friends-in-real-life
lang: en
---

# Video: How kids can use online connections to make friends in real life

Lots of kids have [trouble making friends](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-some-kids-have-trouble-making-friends) in real life. They might feel more comfortable in online or video-game fantasy worlds, where they can build social connections with less pressure. 

But can kids build on these friendships and improve their in-person social skills? Or does having virtual friends make it harder to have “real life” friends? Hear from child psychiatrist Jodi Gold on how to help your child balance in-person and online friendships.

[![Video](https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/693FDADE848E4E2B8D9B89319AFB7850/5a7a9d25aa7ac9a4893800207da1ee1b/121917_Video_How_Your_Child_Can_Use_Online_Connections_to_Make_Friends_in_Real_Life.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/B1IC8ZlwyU4)

---

## Explore related topics and articles

- [Video: How to help kids with ADHD transition away from video games](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/video-how-to-help-kids-with-adhd-transition-away-from-video-games) - Its hard to get any child to transition away from a favorite video game to do homework, get ready for bed, or even go outside and get some fresh air. For kids with ADHD, its especially difficult. Hear from Jodi Gold, MD, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and author of Screen-Smart 
- [Why some kids have trouble making friends](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-some-kids-have-trouble-making-friends) - Why do some kids not have friends? This can be a painful question to ask. When kids arent invited places or dont have anyone to hang out with, it can be hard not to wonder and worry. Making and keeping friends is a skill. Some kids develop it naturally at a young age, while others need more time. In
- [10 ways to help your grade-schooler connect with other kids](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-ways-to-help-your-grade-schooler-make-friends) - Teaching grade-schoolers what makes a good friend and how to start a conversation can help them connect with other kids. Discover more tips to enhance your child’s social skills and friendships in elementary school.

---

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