Older adolescents belong to peer groups that share common values and behaviors, such as how to dress and act. Romantic relationships provide teens with self-esteem but also more conflict and mood swings as males often date for sexual reasons while females seek closeness. Teens heavily use technology like social media to connect with peers, but this can enable cyberbullying where bullies remain anonymous and sexting where explicit images are shared, though teens may see it as harmless. Adults should discuss the dangers of assuming privacy or removal online and pressures of peers.

1. Peer
Relationships
& Moral
Development

2. 2
Much like their younger counterparts, older
adolescents belong to peer groups that identify
with a specific set of values or common set of
behaviors. These groups are often guided by a set
of rules that are understood by all members of the
group. Rules might include the following: how to
dress, talk, style hair, or interact with others.
Romantic relationships provide older adolescents
with an increased feeling of self-esteem and
sense of self-worth. Teens who engage in
romantic relationships experience more conflict
and more severe mood swings than their non-
dating peers. This conflict may be a result of how
males and females view the need for dating.
Male teens most often date for sexual reasons.
Female teens are most often looking for a close
and personal relationship. Girls are also often
uncertain of sexual activity.
Peer Culture: The social
values and norms for
behavior that different
groups of adolescents share.
Peer Pressure: The influence
peers have on each other’s
attitudes and behaviors.
Peer Groups: Social groups
formed on the basis of
shared interest and values;
they are typically composed
of children of the same age,
sex, race/ethnicity, as well
as other commonalties.
Selection: The process by
which adolescents choose
friends and peer groups.
Deviancy Training: Learning
that occurs in peer groups
when members talk
favorably about breaking
rules and engaging in
delinquent behaviors.
Vocabulary
Peer Relationships
Moral Development

3. jhhjghgh
3
Relating to Peers Through Technology
Adolescents use technology to relate to their peers and to
connect with one another.
Most teens are involved in online relationships through
various social networking outlets such as Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube, Instagram, blogs and texting. Digital media can
contribute to peer relationship in a positive way, but
unfortunately there are negative aspects to online
relationships a well. Negative aspects include:
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying can include harassment
through chat rooms, emails, text messages, posts, and blog
entries. Unlike traditional forms of bullying, cyberbullying
can allow for bullies to remain anonymous through passive-
aggressive attacks. Bullies in cyberspace do not have to
face their victims and can convey hurtful messages to a
larger audience. The consequences of cyberbullying are
damaging and can be long lasting. Victims of this form of
bullying often are associated with problems in school and
delinquent behaviors.
Sexting: According to a report from the National
Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy,
39% of teens have sent sexually explicit content through
digital media. Adolescents may view “sexting” as a form of
flirting or playfulness; however, law enforcement is taking
this trend very serious. Teens should be educated about
the realities of “sexting” and digital media content.
Adults school discuss the following with teens to encourage
positive digital citizenship:
• Don’t assume privacy or removal. Nothing is truly
private in cyberspace and nothing is every
completely deleted.
• Consider the recipients reaction.
• Do not give into peer pressure, even online.
Communication
Use Among
U.S. Teens
• 77% of teens have
their own mobile
device and engage
in digital media.
• 11% of teens do not
have their own
mobile device, but
borrow devices
from their peers to
engage in digital
media.
• 12% of teens do not
have access to nor
do they borrow
mobile devices.
Continued: Peer Relationships and Moral Development