Dealing with children falling out with their friends

[1poppy1]

Could do with chatting to people about this and I haven't got lots of parent friends. My son is in year 8 and he's having some friendship related problems at the moment.

I don't know how involved, if at all, parents should be in children's friendship problems? I want to help my son but feel awkward talking to the other parents about it. I know at some point we all need to be able to sort out our own problems and it is hard to know when to step back.

I'd let him ride it out. Its never to early to learn about social dynamics. If he talks to you about it give him some gentle advice depending on the situation. That could be anything from letting things settle for a few weeks to saying the friend isn't worth it and to make new friends (help with that by suggesting new clubs or something).
Personally I'd have been mortified if one of my parents stepped in and spoke to the other kids parents or the kid themselves. It's hard to watch your wee one suffer but it's the best way to learn and will be strong for it.

Just keep talking to your son and try to help him find ways to resolve the situation.