Senator Carver thinks that research on popularity and rejection is a waste of time because children's popularity (or lack of it) has nothing to do with their later development

What can you tell the Senator about the long-term effects of popularity and rejection on later development?
What will be an ideal response?

A good answer will be similar to the following:
Senator Carver should know that in the long run the lack of research on and intervention with rejected children will cost society more. First, rejected children are more likely to drop out of school than their more popular peers. These dropouts are less likely to be productive members of society and are more likely to collect unemployment. Second, rejected children are more likely to commit juvenile offenses and have criminal records thus costing society the expenses associated with the legal system. Third, rejected children are more likely to suffer from psychopathology. However, rejected children can be helped. Studies have shown that they can be taught how to initiate interactions appropriately, how to communicate clearly, how to act friendly, and how to avoid behaviors that others dislike. Rejected children who learn these skills are more likely to be accepted by peers and avoid the long-term negative effects associated with rejection.