People unfamiliar with home education always worry about socialization. The rebuttal of most home educators is that socialization is a major reason for removing a child from school. Schools are increasingly adapting zero tolerance to violence but violence and bullying are increasing in youth. Socialization from peers can be a negative influence. Being among only the same age group is not balanced socialization.
Home educators socialize with each other frequently and regularly.
Children learn to get along with and make friends with individuals of various ages from babies to seniors. Some alternative programs in public schools attempt to emulate a large family by having multiple ages in a classroom. This idea tends to only work with small numbers. When school children are typically trapped inside educational institutions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., most recreational centres, and public centres like museums, and art galleries are almost empty. Most cities have home education associations that families can join.