Peer Relationships

& Moral Development

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Much like their younger counterparts, older adolescents belong to peer groups that identify with a specific set of values or common set of

behaviors. These groups are often guided by a set of rules that are understood by all members of the group. Rules might include the following: how to

dress, talk, style hair, or interact with others.

Romantic relationships provide older adolescents with an increased feeling of self-esteem and

sense of self-worth. Teens who engage in romantic relationships experience more conflict and more severe mood swings than their non-

dating peers. This conflict may be a result of how males and females view the need for dating.

Male teens most often date for sexual reasons. Female teens are most often looking for a close

and personal relationship. Girls are also often uncertain of sexual activity.

Peer Culture: The social values and norms for behavior that different groups of adolescents share.

Peer Pressure: The influence peers have on each other’s attitudes and behaviors.

Peer Groups: Social groups formed on the basis of shared interest and values; they are typically composed of children of the same age, sex, race/ethnicity, as well as other commonalties.

Selection: The process by which adolescents choose friends and peer groups.

Deviancy Training: Learning that occurs in peer groups when members talk favorably about breaking rules and engaging in delinquent behaviors.

Vocabulary

Peer Relationships Moral Development

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Relating to Peers Through Technology

Adolescents use technology to relate to their peers and to connect with one another.

Most teens are involved in online relationships through various social networking outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, blogs and texting. Digital media can contribute to peer relationship in a positive way, but unfortunately there are negative aspects to online relationships a well. Negative aspects include:

Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying can include harassment through chat rooms, emails, text messages, posts, and blog entries. Unlike traditional forms of bullying, cyberbullying can allow for bullies to remain anonymous through passive-aggressive attacks. Bullies in cyberspace do not have to face their victims and can convey hurtful messages to a larger audience. The consequences of cyberbullying are damaging and can be long lasting. Victims of this form of bullying often are associated with problems in school and delinquent behaviors.

Sexting: According to a report from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 39% of teens have sent sexually explicit content through digital media. Adolescents may view “sexting” as a form of flirting or playfulness; however, law enforcement is taking this trend very serious. Teens should be educated about the realities of “sexting” and digital media content.

Adults school discuss the following with teens to encourage positive digital citizenship:

• Don’t assume privacy or removal. Nothing is truly private in cyberspace and nothing is every completely deleted.

• Consider the recipients reaction.

• Do not give into peer pressure, even online.

Communication Use Among U.S. Teens

• 77% of teens have

their own mobile device and engage in digital media.

• 11% of teens do not have their own mobile device, but borrow devices from their peers to engage in digital media.

• 12% of teens do not

have access to nor do they borrow mobile devices.

Continued: Peer Relationships and Moral Development