Why are peers important?
It is normal for teenagers to develop strong peer group relationships. And for most, it is a positive experience that extends over a number of years. In adolescence, peers assist each other make sense of what is happening to them and can help them to feel normal. This support is vital to the successful transition to a fulfilling adulthood. The friendships they develop promote self-esteem, prevent loneliness and assist them to develop useful interpersonal skills. However, there can be a downside. Partly because of the intensity of teenage friendships, conflict and stressful interactions can occur. Learning how to handle such conflict can be important to the success of teenage relationships in the short term and can be a valuable lesson for life in the long term. WHAT TO EXPECT While the relationship between parents and their children remain stable, as they become teenagers, they spend more of their time alone and with friends. By early adolescence, more than 30% of children’s social int
