- A 2021 study published in the journal "Education and Urban Society" found that homeschooled students had similar social skills to their peers attending public and private schools. The study analyzed data from the National Household Education Surveys Program (NHES) and the National Study of Children's Health (NSCH) and compared social skill development across homeschooled and non-homeschooled children.
- A 2018 study published in the journal "Educational Psychology Review" found that homeschooled students generally showed positive social development, including good peer relationships and social adjustment. The study conducted a meta-analysis of several other research studies on homeschooled students' social skills.
However, other studies have suggested potential challenges or differences in social skills development among homeschooled students:
- A 2019 study published in the journal "SAGE Open" found that homeschooled students might have less frequent social interactions with peers compared to their non-homeschooled counterparts. The study focused on the social experiences of homeschooled adolescents in the United States.
- A 2017 study published in the journal "Educational Research and Evaluation" found that homeschooled students had lower levels of social competence, including social skills and social knowledge, compared to their peers attending traditional schools. The study was based on a survey of homeschooled and non-homeschooled students in Australia.
It is important to note that these studies provide varying perspectives, and the social skills development of homeschooled students may vary based on numerous factors such as the curriculum, learning environment, parental involvement, and the student's individual personality traits. Factors such as the reasons for homeschooling, the parents' social networks, and the degree of integration with the local community can further influence social development outcomes for homeschooled students.