Bad Behavior Can Spread Fast Among Teens

Behavior can be contagious among teenagers. Good behavior by peers can spread through the group. But bad behavior can also be modeled.

For parents, figuring out how to steer teens away from friends who encourage undesirable behavior -- such as substance abuse -- is tricky, the Los Angeles Times reports. The article points out that unhealthy behaviors like drinking, smoking or using drugs can spread fast among teens.

Mitch Prinstein, director of clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, tells the newspaper that interfering in a teen’s life too much, especially with friendships, can make matters worse because it can fuel rebellion. 

He recommends that parents help their teens develop a sense of identity and feel secure about it. 

Read the article here.