A group of boys ages 9 and 10 years forms a 'boys-only' club open to neighborhood and school friends who have skateboards. This should be interpreted:

• A. Behavior that encourages bullying and sexism.
• B. Behavior that reinforces poor peer relationships.
• C. Characteristic of children who later are at risk for membership in gangs.
• D. Characteristic of social development of this age.

Answer: (D)

This item tests normal social development in late childhood, where forming peer groups and a sense of belonging becomes important. When a group of boys around 9 to 10 years old creates a clubs with shared interests like skateboarding, it reflects kids seeking autonomy, status, and camaraderie with similarly minded peers. That kind of exclusive, same‑gender peer group is a common and developmentally appropriate way for children to explore friendships, learn cooperation, and practice leadership within a small social circle. It does not inherently indicate bullying or sexism, unless the behavior is hostile or degrading toward others, and it isn’t a reliable signal of gang involvement by itself—the formation of a friend group around a hobby is a typical part of growing up.