There is no doubt that society plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s character. For teens, society hones their ability to live with other people, gives them ideas of what is wrong and right and eventually, hones their general outlook in life. According to the Christian Broadcasting Network, the strongest influence on the teen’s adult life is the parents. By understanding the influence of various aspects of society on a teen, it will help you nurture its character as well as its individuality.
There are a number of societal influences that can affect the teen’s behavior. From the media to peers, a lot of societal factors can shape the ways in which they act. While society isn’t the only factor in an adolescent’s behavior, the effect of its influences can alter changes in attitudes or some values.
Advertisements
Advertising is also another factor that can influence a teen’s behavior. It affects not only how a child acts but also their spending habits. According to the child development experts at the Healthy Children website, cigarette ads for example can negatively influence a teen’s ideas and thoughts with regards to smoking. Without proper guidance, ads that feature young and attractive people smoking can make this unhealthful habit seem acceptable or even appealing. One risk with advertising is that it glorifies or sells risky behaviors. As a result, it affects on the way a teen spends their money. With advertising, teens may think that it’s acceptable to spend hard-earned money on pricey or unnecessary items like designer label jeans.
Community
Meanwhile, the community sets rules that can help form a teenager’s ideas of what is right and wrong. Teens may have a better understanding of acceptable behavior and consequences of doing wrong, as set by communal laws. With consequences like imprisonment, such understanding may help your teen to choose the right behavior. In addition to that, the community also helps create cultural and environmental awareness. The interaction with various members of the community will also influence the teen to learn to care for the environment, neighbors and the less fortunate.
Media Influences
With TV, movies, online videos and all other media sources out there, it is expected that these societal influences can somehow shape your teen’s behavior either for good or for bad. As the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children website recommends, parents should watch for media influences. These include acts of violence, alcohol, sexual situations, statements about body image, and drug use, and gender or cultural stereotypes. While your teen might seem immune to what the media is already saying, parents should still have caution since some messages can slowly begin to sink in and encourage risky behaviors like underage drinking or unprotected sex seem.
School
The schools as well as subsequent social environments are parts of society that wield a communal influence on teens. Take note that every junior and senior high school setting is quite different in some way. This produces a community that adheres or disregards certain behaviors. They could make changes to their beliefs due to the predominant school views.
Society and Laws
There are some aspects of society that can have a positive influence on teens. They become more aware of legal issues and society’s laws. During their adolescent period, they have the ability to understand legalities in a more abstract way. Such information will definitely help teens to think twice before engaging in any illegal or risky activity. However, this doesn’t guaranty that teens will not experiment with illegal substances just because the law says “no.” Instead, they will think harder about the choices they are going to make in light of the consequences.