Why does my teen choose bad friends? Why are they hanging out with a negative peer group?
This is one of the most common concerns parents have today, especially when they have raised their child with a solid family foundation and good morals and principles. Some families they have a spiritual upbringing and they are saddened when their teenage begins drifting from their values.
Let’s discuss possible reasons why your teen may decide to hang out with friends that are not desirable before we help them to choose a better group of peers.
3 Reasons Why Peers Choose Negative Peer Groups
1. Lack of self-worth. When an adolescent is struggling with depression or sadness, typically they are also feeling a lack of self-confidence. The fear of being rejected is real — but those with a low self-esteem may be more likely to give in to negative influences.
2. Curiosity. Is being bad really cool? Our teens are smart. It won’t take them long to understand that this negative peer group can lead to trouble. They might be thinking the grass is greener by being part of this group, believing these kids are having more fun, but once they are part of this group, it doesn’t take long to realize the trouble most of them are facing.
3. Get your attention. As many of us realize, teenagers can be rebellious. Your teen might be wanting to get your attention, and unfortunately, it’s in a negative way.
Young people are not mature enough to understand the long-term consequences of the people they hang with and how it could potentially impact their future.
How to Help Your Teen Choose Good Friends
Friendships for teenagers are imperative as they grow and continue through school. Where do they fit in, are they accepted, do they feel wanted or needed? These relationships play a crucial role for your teen emotionally as well as for their social development outside of their family.
1. Interests, hobbies and activities. Connections with people that have your same interests is a great place to start. This is one of the most effective ways to make friends with similar interests.
Encourage your teen to explore hobbies and passions, whether it’s sports, music, art, or something else entirely.
Engaging in activities they enjoy can boost their confidence and provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals.
Consider enrolling them in clubs, classes, or community groups like a youth club where they can pursue their interests in a social setting and build friendships in an enjoyable, low-pressure environment.
2. Teaching resilience and coping strategies. Friendships can be complicated, especially with young people. Teens can be mean, dealing with all the emotional and physical changes they’re experiencing through puberty, words can be sharp without consideration for feelings.
Teaching your teen emotional resilience will help them navigate the inevitable challenges that come with teenage friendships. Encourage them to see these experiences as opportunities to learn and grow. Share strategies for coping with rejection or conflict such as engaging in a calming activity, or talking things over with a trusted friend or family member.
3. Volunteering. Encourage your teen to volunteer at local group homes, animal rescues, youth groups, charities, churches, homeless shelters, or kitchens, and/or teaching clubs. Your teenager will meet peers who will have similar values in helping others, serving the community, and giving back.
With the rise of social media, teens are more plugged in than ever. Teenage loneliness is more apparent than parents may realize. Many teens wish their parents knew how hard it is today to make friends — in real life.
Understanding the basics of how teenagers can make better friend choices can really help with providing your teen opportunities to meet other teens and set them up for success when they are interacting with others.
Overall, modeling healthy friendship behavior with other adults can be your golden ticket.
Also read:
How to Help My Teen Develop Good Study Habits
