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Adolescent relationships

Defining the concept of family in any society is difficult. Sociologists generally agree that the family is not a biological formation, but rather a social unit. It is important to recognise that families are dynamic social units that are made up of many different and complex combinations of individuals and that these combinations may be constantly changing.

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Families

Current statistical information about families in Australia can be found at the Australian Bureau of Statistics website Family and Community Statistics

Adolescent's relationship with family

The young person's adolescent stage of physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth is often associated with, and precipitates, changes in the nature of relationships with his or her family. Adolescent/parent relationships vary greatly between dependent and independent status, and between harmony and conflict. However, the need for stability, encouragement and support from family remains constant.

Adolescent's relationships with peers

Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, emotional and social development. Associated with these changes are parallel changes in the patterns and types of an adolescent's relationships, both in the family and with peers.

Pre-adolescence

Relationships are usually based around the group of same sex peers with whom they most constantly associate.

Mid-adolescence

Peer group plays an important role in helping to define an adolescent's identity independent of the family; this includes the development of the sex role identity. Peers become an important source of social support and companionship, and play a significant role in the shaping of thoughts and ideas.

Parents still play an important role in adolescent decision-making through continued support and advice.

Late adolescence

Friendships become more stable, interdependent and tolerant of differences in others. In contrast to the egocentric nature of earlier relationships, adolescents become more concerned about the impact of their behaviour on significant others.

Youth hanging out

Peer influence

This is the effect that peers can have on attitudes, values or behaviour. This influence may be positive or negative.

Peer pressure is a term usually used to describe strong expectations (often of a negative kind) from similar aged friends to conform to a particular attitude, belief or behaviour.

Peers play a vital role in the mental and emotional growth of adolescents.

     Positive aspects of peer groups Negative aspects of peer groups
  • Opportunity to develop new friendships
  • Individuality may be suppressed
  • Opportunity to learn social skills
  • Anxieties and psychological traumas may be caused by peer group rejection
  • Assist in developing concept of self and identity
  • Desire for peer acceptance may cause adolescents to compromise their beliefs and values
  • Communication skills enhanced
  • Conformity can lead to intolerance of those who are different
  • Opportunity to develop healthy sexual relationships
  • Desire to be seen to conform can lead to emotional isolation
  • Forum to share and solve problems
  
  • Can provide supportive relationships
  
  • Self-esteem can be enhanced
  
  • Can share experiences, activities, etc.
   

 

GDHR learning activities

Early Adolecence (years 8-10)

Other relevant lesson plans

Relationship Things Resource Kit

  1. Essential Background
  2. Relationship Things
  3. Respect
  4. Communicate
  5. Choose Relationship
  6. Understanding Violence & Sexual Assault
  7. Looking After Yourself & Others 

Resources

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