Friendships in adolescents: how do they influence their development?

The human being is a social animal and needs to relate to their peers to develop this facet that no one can deny the human condition. From very young, people already feel the urge to interact with their peers to share moments and create their small circle of friends. An aspect that is not abandoned throughout our lives.

Especially during adolescence, stage of life where the friendships they can mark the course of the person's development. The exits are longer and the time spent with friends is sometimes greater than he shares with his family, so the influence he receives from these people is greater than that of their parents, mothers, brothers, etc. That is why before the importance of this group in our children, we must know how they influence their development.


Why are friends important?

The adolescent must face many changes in this stage of his life, both physical and psychic. It is here that he begins to question the rules of adults more fiercely and progressively lose dependence with respect to his parents. It is easier and less embarrassing to consult your doubts and concerns with your friends, given the empathy that is felt to be experiencing the same as him.

The structure of friendships change according to age. During preadolescence, between 11 and 14 years, small groups of the same sex are typical. Belonging to them gives protection and facilitates contact with others. Later, they begin to mix with people of the opposite gender, giving rise to large mixed groups. Finally, the first couples can be formed, which implies a reduction of dependence on friends.


Friendships during this stage of life are usually homogeneous. Adolescents tend to choose their group according to very elaborate criteria and look for people who have values, ideas and attitudes similar to yours. The socio-cultural level is similar to that of childhood friendships.

Conversations with close friends help the teen to know yourself and to understand the changes that are happening to him at this stage of his life. Sharing and comparing experiences and ideas with someone who is in the same situation, helps you discover new values and ways of seeing life and, ultimately, to build your identity.

Influence and pressure of peers

As it happens throughout life, belonging to a group means feeling sometimes pressured to do things or make decisions that go against our own convictions and values. In the case of the adolescent, it is not less, even more so if we take into account that he is in a period of great emotional instabilityHe is more vulnerable and more sensitive to this pressure because he needs to feel accepted by those around him.


The reasons for joining the behavior of the group are several: the need to be accepted, the fear of others making fun of it or simply wanting to try something new. Pressure is exerted on all types of groups, from the big ones, such as marking a type of dress style, as among close friends, this pressure being more important, since it is more difficult resist what they say the closest people.

The normal thing is that this pressure is understood as something bad that will make the adolescent begin in the consumption of alcohol, drugs, practice risky sexual relations. Pesto is not always like that, in many occasions the friendships stimulate the teenager to enter sports teams or practice other creative activities such as painting, playing an instrument or reading.

The paper of the parents

At this point parents of teenagers may feel the need to want help your children to look for good friendships that are a good influence on their children. For them from the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, AEP, launch this series of tips to face the moment in which

-  Want and accept the teenager. Although the need for independence increases in adolescence, the importance of the family in its development remains the same. There will be times when you seek this support from your parents, mothers and siblings, and you must always find it

-  Try not to belittle your friends, the adolescent perceives it as an attack against himself. Inviting them home is a good way to get to know them and show interest in their lives.

- Teach them to differentiate "appearance", what we try to be or what we are being asked to be, "identity", what we really are. That will help them cope with peer pressure.

- Monitor the use of what they do internet and social networks. Placing the computer in the living room and limiting its use at night will facilitate control. There are times when teenagers look for friendships on the web, a very dangerous issue because you never know who is on the other side.

-  Keep communication, with an open and safe conversation, so that the adolescent does not lose confidence.

Damián Montero

Video: Friendship networks in adolescence: How do they influence mental health and substance use?


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