pediatrics
Adolescent Development
Social and Psychologic Development in Adolescents
The family is the center of social life for children. During adolescence, the peer group begins to replace the family as the child’s primary social focus. Peer groups are often established because of distinctions in dress, appearance, attitudes, hobbies, interests, and other characteristics that may seem profound or trivial to outsiders. Initially, peer groups are usually same-sex but typically become mixed later in adolescence. These groups assume an importance to adolescents because they provide validation for the adolescent’s tentative choices and support in stressful situations. Adolescents who find themselves without a peer group may develop intense feelings of being different and alienated. Although these feelings usually do not have permanent effects, they may worsen the potential for dysfunctional or antisocial behavior. At the other extreme, the peer group can assume too much importance, also resulting in antisocial behavior. Violence is more common when the home and social environments are unable to counterbalance the dysfunctional demands of a peer group. Clinicians should screen all adolescents for Overview of Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Adolescents , such as Drug and Substance Use in Adolescents typically begins during adolescence. Alcohol is common and is the substance most often used by adolescents. The Monitoring the Future Survey on Drug Use reported that in 2021 by 12th grade, 54% of adolescents have tried alcohol, and nearly 26% are considered current drinkers (having consumed alcohol within the past month) ( Rates of combustible tobacco use among adolescents fell dramatically in the 1990s and 2000s and continue to decline. In 2021, about 4.1% of 12th graders reported current cigarette use (smoked in the previous 30 days), down from 28.3% in 1991 and from 5.7% in 2019; only about 2% report smoking every day ( Social and psychologic development reference ). and other substances), which is a decrease from 45.6% in 2019 ( Social and psychologic development reference ). In 2021, the prevalence of current cannabis (marijuana) use among high school seniors was 19.5%, which is a decrease from 22.3% in 2019. About 38.6% of high school seniors reported having used cannabis one or more times in their life ( Social and psychologic development reference ). Use of Other substances is much less common, although misuse of prescription drugs, including drugs for pain and stimulants, is on the rise. Parents can have a strong positive influence on their children by setting a good example (eg, using alcohol in moderation, avoiding use of illicit drugs), sharing their values, and setting high expectations regarding staying away from drugs. Parents also should teach children that prescription medications should be used only as directed by a health care professional. All adolescents should be confidentially Drug and Substance Use in Adolescents . Appropriate advice should be given as part of routine health care because even very brief interventions by physicians and health care professional have been shown to decrease substance use by adolescents. 1.Johnston LD, Miech RA, O’Malley PM, et al: Monitoring the Future National Survey Results on Drug Use 1975-2021: 2021 Overview, Key Findings on Adolescent Drug Use. Ann Arbor, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 2022. 