The Outsize Influence of Your Middle-School Friends

Social isolation is the dark side of the school, in which many kids with no friends are at risk of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. There is a perceived sense of threat with being friendless, and the young, immature mind can deeply internalize the resulting difficulties, leading to depression.

Bullying at this age is also a major problem, with those who are socially isolated becoming the most vulnerable to being bullied.

Teenagers and adolescents are more likely to behave recklessly, do something stupid, or commit crimes when they are together.

Breaking the law or trying out drugs/alcohol is also done more often in the company of friends and schoolmates. This is known as the Peer Effect.

Social Buffering is a phenomenon where just the act of being together in a group, just the mere presence, lowers the anxiety and stress levels of teens.

It is a positive and protective effect of one individual on another.