Worried about the impact your teen’s friends are having on them? You’re not alone—and it’s not as simple as “good” or “bad” peer pressure. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with peer influence expert Dr. Brett Laursen to unpack how friendships actually shape teen behavior (often for the better!) and how parents can stay influential without being controlling. Dr. Laursen, who has decades of research tracking teen friendships across multiple countries, shares surprising insights that can help you guide your teen through the tricky world of social dynamics, middle school transitions, and online influence. If you’ve ever wondered, "Am I losing my teen to their friends?" — this conversation is a must-listen.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE- Why peer pressure isn't always a bad thing and can actually drive positive behavior in teens
- How to stay relevant as a parent even when friends seem to have more influence
- What to do (and NOT do) if you're worried about your teen's friends
- How online and real-world friendships impact vulnerable teens differently
- Friendship first, influence second: Teens choose friends who are similar to them, not the other way around.
- Middle school changes everything: The shift from adult-centered to peer-centered social life demands a new parenting approach.
- Stay connected, don't compete: Your teen needs a supportive parent, not a rival for attention.
- Opportunities, not ultimatums: Help your teen find better friendships by fostering their interests, not forcing social changes.
- Humanize yourself: Teens respect advice more when they see you as a real person, not just an authority figure.
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CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Brett Laursen
- Website: https://www.fau.edu/science/psychology/laursen-lab/
- Email: laursen@fau.edu
- Website: AskDrCam.com
- Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
- YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
- Facebook: @DrCamCaswell
00:00 Understanding Peer Pressure in Teens 03:01 The Dual Nature of Peer Influence 05:46 Navigating Friendships: The Parent's Dilemma 08:53 The Shift to Peer-Driven Social Structures 12:12 The Importance of Positive Relationships 15:10 Managing Friendships: When to Intervene 18:12 Supporting Kids Who Struggle to Make Friends 21:08 The Role of Online Influences 23:54 Building Trust and Communication with Teens 27:01 Humanizing Parental Relationships 29:55 Final Thoughts on Peer Influence and Parenting
ABOUT THE SHOWThe Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth. Whether yo
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