January 2024 ~ By the time teens reach high school, friendships become more stable. This is likely because individual identities are more solid and teens learn to accept greater differences in one another. As a result, compromise increasingly takes the place of conforming to peer norms. Concern over reputation peaks in grade 8/9. That means most high school students are less worried about how they are perceived and more focused on the social dynamics within their peer groups. There is also a shift in the importance of romantic partners over friends by the 10th grade. This Snapshot provides a guide to supporting your teen in navigating their social world and dating experiences.
