Washington Mar 4: A new study has revealed that friends may make the difference in keeping children active. As per the study children being physically active with a friend may accomplish more than hearing encouragement or being active with a parent which suggests that a peer-to-peer approach may be an effective way to increase physical activity among children. lead author Jessica Graus Woo said that they speculate that the social network of friendships is increasingly important in influencing behaviors as children get older and having physically active friends may make it easier for obese children to get involved with activities