Parenting
By Jamie Thompson
Updated: Jan. 22, 2021
Originally Published: November 2, 2015
Anyone who has raised or interacted with a teenager knows they often engage in risky behaviors. Parents lie awake at night, concerned about the safety of their teen’s car, wondering if their friends will encourage them to run red lights or, even worse, drink before driving. While we are all aware of the dark side of peer influence, recent studies reveal that it can also have a beneficial impact.
Research highlights a troubling truth: teenagers are more inclined to take risks when they are with peers. A study conducted by psychologists at Temple University, led by Dr. Matthew Collins and Dr. Sarah Hughes, found that adolescents are twice as likely to drive recklessly when their friends are present. This effect was not observed in adults, who displayed more consistent driving behaviors regardless of their companions.
Further exploring this phenomenon, another study utilized functional MRI scans while teenagers played a driving simulation game. The results indicated that teens demonstrated heightened brain activity in reward-related regions when engaging in risky maneuvers alongside friends, making those moments feel more exhilarating. As science journalist Clara Zhao reported, “The presence of peers amplifies the thrill, driving teens to seek out more daring experiences.”
However, recent findings suggest that peer influence can also foster positive outcomes. In a controlled experiment, Dr. Collins and his team had 101 teenage boys play a card game designed to test decision-making skills. Some played solo, while others were observed by three peers. The findings were illuminating: teens who played with peers explored more, learned quicker from both successes and failures, and performed better overall. As Dr. Collins noted, “Our research implies that teenagers are more effective learners in social contexts than when they are isolated.”
Another study from 2004 revealed similar trends, showing that students who engaged in social contexts remembered information better than those focused solely on cognitive tasks. Teens are particularly sensitive to social dynamics—who’s popular, who’s not, and what friendships are forming and dissolving. Harnessing this social awareness could revolutionize learning approaches. Strategies like incorporating personality and social relationships into subjects like history or having students tutor each other in math could enhance educational outcomes significantly.
Current educational frameworks often discourage risk-taking, compelling students to choose easier classes for higher grades. However, if we channel teens’ inclination for social engagement and risk in a learning environment, we could potentially transform their educational experiences for the better. Small changes, such as peer tutoring, could yield substantial benefits—a low-risk strategy with high rewards.
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In summary, while peer pressure is often viewed negatively, it can also promote active learning and positive behavior in teens. By leveraging social dynamics in educational settings, we can foster a more enriching environment for young learners.