School & Social Pressures

      In modern society, adolescents are exposed to a plethora of social issues. We've all heard the common saying, "Kids can't be kids anymore." Today, children are forced to experience parental divorce at very young ages. Kids have to face violence and discord before than can face pre-school. It isn't the 1970's anymore. School is the major mold for our socialization as teenagers. Our peers have an everlasting effect on our lives.

      During adolescence, peers play a large part in a teen's life and take the place of the family as the center of a teen's social and leisure activities. Teenagers have many peer relationships, and they interact with many peer groups. Some kids give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, or because they worry that other kids may make fun of them if they don't go along with the group. Others may go along because they are curious to try something new that others are doing. The saying "everyone's doing it" may influence some kids to leave their better judgment behind.

      As children grow, develop, and move into early adolescence, involvement with their peers and the attraction of peer likeness increases. As pre-teens begin rapid physical, emotional and social changes, they begin to question adult standards and the need for parental guidance. They find it reassuring to turn for advice to friends who understand and sympathize; friends who are in the same position them. By trying new things and testing their ideas with their peers, there is less fear of being ridiculed or embarrassed.