Teenagers & the Importance of Friends

Identity

• The formation of cliques and crowds during the teenage years helps teens to develop a sense of who they are. The teen years are a time to expand their experiences by trying new things, experimenting with ideas and observing where they fit in. Groups help teenagers decide what kinds of friends they want to spend time with. They learn to avoid trouble and can lean on their friends for support during tough times. Parents need to keep an eye out for teenagers who may fall in with the wrong crowd.

Self-Esteem

• Parents are often encouraged to watch out for isolated and withdrawn teenagers who don't appear to fit in. While this still holds true, Amanda J. Rose, Ph.D., advised in a 2007 article in the journal "Developmental Psychology," published by the American Psychological Association, that parents pay close attention to teenage girls who appear to have close, supportive friendships if they involve co-rumination, which is the excessive rehashing of events and dwelling on negative feelings regarding problems with another person. In a six-month longitudinal study, co-rumination was tested for association with anxiety and depression among teenagers. Both boys and girls were found to have closer friendships due to this practice, while it was found to increase depression and anxiety among teenage girls.

Balance

• Teenagers have the potential to make friends in many areas of their lives. The more they are involved in, the more opportunity for friendship there is. Teenagers do need to keep a balance in their lives between academics, sports or activities, family and their social lives. Learning this balancing act and how to deal appropriately with the pressure and stress that may be associated with juggling conflicting responsibilities in their lives is an invaluable life skill.

Problem-Solving

• Resilience is a coping mechanism that is a necessary part of life. Some teenagers bounce back from stressful events more quickly than their friends. Their peers and friends can provide the additional communication, support and insight needed during times of trauma or other difficult times, such as the death of a friend or a national or natural disaster. Teens can experience their feelings and learn the appropriate ways to express them. On the other hand, they can observe the actions of their friends and learn other avenues to dealing with life's problems.