<![CDATA[This study aims to understand students' experiences of toxic friendship in the school environment. Toxic friendship refers to a peer relationship characterized by manipulative behavior, social exclusion, verbal bullying, dominance, and emotional pressure that negatively affects adolescents' psychological well-being. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed with in-depth interviews conducted with five high school student informants in Ambon City and Malteng, selected through purposive sampling based on an initial screening questionnaire. Data analysis followed Miles and Huberman's model. Six major themes were identified: (1) characteristics of toxic friendship; (2) emotional experiences; (3) variable impacts on self-esteem; (4) social and academic impacts; (5) positive meaning-making; and (6) coping strategies. Implications for school guidance and counseling services are formulated.]]>
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