1. GROUP INFLUENCES ON BEHAVIOUR

2. The peer group Typical features of an adolescent peer group are: • it often has its own norms or standards of acceptable behaviour and anyone who breaks these norms may be rejected by other members of the group • it often has its own style of dress (including hairstyles), its own places for socialising, its own taste in music, dancing, sport and so on • it usually has its own special attitudes to matters such as sex before marriage, smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, bullying and so on • it often has its own language or lists of expressions which may not make sense to anyone outside the peer group • its members usually discuss their problems with one another but not with outsiders.

3. Mean Girls Clip • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuelCsZ30pU&feature=related • Learning Activity 9.21

4. Peer pressure • Despite parental concern, peer pressure can actually have a positive influence on young adolescents, as anti-social behaviours are often frowned upon in a peer group in this young age group. • Research findings indicate that the age at which young people are more likely to be influenced by peer pressure is between the ages of 11–16 years, peaking at around age 14 and declining thereafter. But anti-social behaviour resulting from peer pressure tends to peak a bit later, during middle adolescence, before declining. • Research studies have also found that ‘best friends’ have a much greater influence on adolescents than do casual friends or the adolescent clique. For example, in the areas of smoking, drinking and other drug use, the influence of ‘best friends’ is greater than that of other friends

5. Risk-taking behaviour • Behaviour viewed as risk-taking has the potential to harm the individual's psychological wellbeing and/or physical health in some way. The harm may range from embarrassment or a minor injury through to long-term trauma or death. 1.Thrill-seekingrisks involve behaviours that are challenging but relatively socially acceptable, such as engaging in dangerous sports (for example, skydiving or bungee jumping) and experimenting with relationships and sexuality. 2. Recklessbehaviours are often thrill-seeking but have a higher chance of not being accepted by the adult population, and have negative social or health-related outcomes. Examples of reckless behaviours are drinking and driving, speeding, having unprotected sex and sharing needles when drug-taking. 3. Rebelliousbehaviours involve experimenting with activities that are usually acceptable for adults but are generally disapproved of for adolescents. These behaviours may include smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, swearing and staying out late. 4. Anti-socialbehaviours are those which are considered unacceptable for both adults and adolescents. Examples of anti-social behaviours include cheating, overeating and bullying others.

6. True/False and End of Chapter Test