Friends have more influence than family on teenagers

Teenage years are very unique in a person’s life. During that time
period, people are on the brink of adulthood and on a bridge
between being a child and being a grown person ready to deal
with real life. That leads to teenagers being very easily influenced
by the people around them. Mostly from the behalf of their friends
and family.

Teens, after spending their entire childhood with their family, tend
to gravitate towards other kids their age. This happens because
they start developing their own mind and often disagree with their
parents’ points of view. So, seeking understanding, they start
hanging out with other teenagers more and more. They develop
friendships and inevitably fall under their influence. That can be a
good thing, friends can sometimes understand us better than our
own parents. They can know how we’re feeling and comfort us.
Being of similar age to us, they can relate to our problems better.
However, not all people our age can have a positive influence on
us. Teens tend to be relatively naïve and can easily end up with
the “wrong crowd”. That can lead to very serious life problems,
such as addictions, twisted world views and mental illnesses.

Parents, on the other hand, want what’s best for their children, so
there isn’t anything too negative about their impact on us. They
have been with us our whole lives and would do anything for us.
Whether that includes giving us money for a night out, a word of
advice when in times of trouble or a shoulder to cry on when
everything becomes too much. No matter what, they’ve always
been more than happy to give us the best they possibly can.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Due to the age
difference between them and us, parents can’t always put
themselves in our shoes. When they were our age, times were
different. A lot of things have changed since then and our parents
can’t always comprehend that. Even if they try, it’s impossible for
them to fully understand what it’s like to be a teenager in modern
day society. Kids these days have different priorities, different
interests and different life views.

In my opinion, both family and friends have an important role to

play in the life of a teenager. Both their influences are equally
important and have a crucial role in the life of a teen. Only with
both, can they properly develop and prepare for the life ahead of
them.