In turn, homeschooled children do not necessarily learn in isolation. Unlike what people may believe, homeschooled students can develop a healthy social structure as well, such as being involved in the community and church activities. Homeschoolers have plenty of group experiences such as writing clubs, book discussion groups, and local homeschooling groups. Homeschoolers may participate in nearby public school sports or music groups, as well as in many public and private group activities the community may provide. As a result, the children gain friends, learn to get along with each other, and do not suffer socially. Most communities have a homeschool group where they will often get together for field trips that give the children a chance to socialize even further. Meldin states how .
They are certainly not isolated; in fact, they associate with--and feel close to--all sorts of people. . .home-schooled children are acquiring the rules of behavior and systems of beliefs and attitudes they need. . .they may be more socially mature and have better leadership skills than other children as well. And they appear to be functioning effectively as members of adult society (110). .
Regular students tend to suffer socially due to the limitations and control they are under. Students are assembled among each grade by age. When the children grow up, they will have to deal communicating to people of varying ages, rather than being prevented from interacting with those outside their own age group in a classroom. In addition, homeschooling students have the privilege of avoiding the unhealthy socialization often found in public schools. The homeschool environment helps prevent the student from harmful peer pressure and influences such as drugs, alcohol, sex, violence, gangs, and popularity, which may damage a student's development and growth. Many parents feel they are responsible for protecting their child from these influences, and regardless of what their child may say, it is the parents who determine what is harmful for their child (Ishizuka 31-33).
