The Importance Of Popularity For Teens – Parenthood

Teenagers’ pursuit of popularity is natural, as long as it stays within normal parameters. The social becomes fundamental in their life, they must identify with the group, belong and be accepted.

Sometimes we see everything going on around adolescence as a tangle of issues. We classify them as complex, difficult and conflicting, which does not preclude being an evolutionary process.

Puberty is a stage in which physical changes are evident. Indeed, hormones play an important role and the personality tries to constitute itself. Their emotions are unstable and it is a natural thing that sometimes makes them unable to understand for themselves what is happening to them.

As adults who deal with adolescents, whether we are parents, family members or teachers, we need to keep in mind that these changes affect them in different ways. So, it is important to remain empathetic and open to listen to them and understand them.

During this phase, boys try to find out who they really are. The family ceases to be the center of his universe to convert his friends and the world around him into his main reference. This makes the popularity of adolescents a cornerstone.

Insecurity and low self-esteem can become dangerous  when combined with the pursuit of popularity. That is why we must be very attentive to the signals sent by adolescents.

Some risks of popularity research

To be what we are not

We must try to help them seek popularity through actions that identify them as individuals and positive qualities. For example, not pretending to be what you are not in order to be accepted. In the long run, these bogus roles end up backfiring, with peers seeing them as unreliable.

In addition, seeking approval can cause them to hide less socially accepted emotions, such as sadness. In the long run, it becomes a habit of life and they can grow into adults unable to communicate with their feelings.

Misplaced behavior

If adolescents do not have the right support and an example to follow, they can fall into exhibitionist behavior to gain attention and gain more followers. Especially on social networks.

Superficial relationships

If they only focus on finding popularity, without giving importance to building real relationships, they will create superficial and unsustainable friendships.

What can we do as parents?

Communication and reflection

Communication is a process that has been running since childhood. Many parents have not kept this bond active and claim that when they go through puberty their children will tell them everything. Mistake ! You must always be close and have an open and observant attitude towards them.

If you see that a teenager is overly concerned about their popularity, ask them what their motivations are and give them some thought. What does he think the popularity will give him? What will he do if he becomes very popular? Does he think his life will change drastically?

Encourage healthy relationships

This is an excellent stage for young people to join a sports team. Or, form a music group or any other hobby that motivates them. That way, they’ll make connections based on something more than just being known.

Respect first

Encouraging respect for oneself and others is fundamental. Indeed, this is another aspect that must be instilled in them from an early age. It is one of the axes of growth for a teenager who experiments, seeks limits and challenges.  But always with his feet on the ground, without harming anyone or himself.

We must not forget that the search for popularity among adolescents is crucial. It is up to us to provide them with the necessary support so that this does not become a dangerous weapon.  Otherwise, it would be likely to harm them and affect other people.

Remember that adolescence does not come overnight. It is a process of growth and therefore we must provide our children with the tools they will need to cope with it from childhood.