Self-esteem and Social Skills and Bullying

[MsDrinkwater]

How does low self-esteem affect social skills, friendships and social relationships? If you feel bad about yourself or are struggling at school does that mean you are more likely to have difficulty with friendships, have less friends and find it difficult to get into the social scene. Are you more likely to be bullied? This is my experience but so many people disagree. I am having a really hard time getting my head around this and wondered if any one could give me some advice and their experiences or know of any research/support groups.
Many thanks

I recommend a book called Stick Up For Yourself by Gershen Kaufman. It teaches self-awareness and how to use it to be more assertive without arrogance. It's been a godsend book for my son and we're revisiting it now with a teenage perspective. It's quite American but the content is valid.

Many thanks I will look into it.