All testimonies in this report are real cases that have preferred to remain anonymous.If you don't play with me, I won't invite you to my party. If you want me to do that, you'll have to give me a euro. Now I'm angry (and I won't talk to you for days). You are my best friend (but I only play with you when we are alone, when we are at school, I ignore you or I even promote a vote to see who dislikes you in the class). These are seemingly innocent and typical phrases and situations for children – more so for girls – that can be a warning sign of a controlling relationship disguised as friendship. 

Friendships play a fundamental role in the growth of children and adolescents. They learn to relate to others, build their identity, and feel part of a group. But not all relationships are always positive. Some can limit them or cause discomfort. As child and adolescent psychologist Margot Fusté points out, in these cases it's important to know how to identify what's happening and, above all, how to support them.