Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Teen Friendships: How Peer Pressure Really Works—and What Parents Must Know


Listen Later

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

  • 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS
    1. Friendship first, influence second: Teens choose friends who are similar to them, not the other way around.

    2. Middle school changes everything: The shift from adult-centered to peer-centered social life demands a new parenting approach.

    3. Stay connected, don't compete: Your teen needs a supportive parent, not a rival for attention.

    4. Opportunities, not ultimatums: Help your teen find better friendships by fostering their interests, not forcing social changes.

    5. Humanize yourself: Teens respect advice more when they see you as a real person, not just an authority figure.

    6. 🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW?

      Don’t keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps me create even more episodes filled with practical tips for you and your family! Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫


      🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌

       

      CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Brett Laursen
      • Website: https://www.fau.edu/science/psychology/laursen-lab/
      • CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam
        • Website: AskDrCam.com
        • Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
        • YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
        • Facebook: @DrCamCaswell
        • EPISODE CHAPTERS

          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 SHOW

          The 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 you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.

          #theteentranslator #drcamcaswell

          #teenpeerpressure #parentingteenfriendships

          ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store

          Parenting Teens with Dr. CamBy Dr. Cam

          • 4.6
          • 4.6
          • 4.6
          • 4.6
          • 4.6

          4.6

          52 ratings


          More shows like Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

          View all
          Emotionally Uncomfortable by Hosted by Heather Chauvin | Insights inspired by Mel Robbins, Bréne Brown,

          Emotionally Uncomfortable

          586 Listeners

          The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

          The Lazy Genius Podcast

          6,497 Listeners

          Change Your Brain Every Day by Dr Daniel & Tana Amen

          Change Your Brain Every Day

          1,950 Listeners

          Calm Parenting Podcast by Kirk Martin

          Calm Parenting Podcast

          1,386 Listeners

          Talking To Teens: Expert Tips for Parenting Teenagers by talkingtoteens.com

          Talking To Teens: Expert Tips for Parenting Teenagers

          200 Listeners

          Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author

          Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

          4,021 Listeners

          The Peter Attia Drive by Peter Attia, MD

          The Peter Attia Drive

          7,935 Listeners

          On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

          On Purpose with Jay Shetty

          27,099 Listeners

          Raising Good Humans by Dear Media, Aliza Pressman

          Raising Good Humans

          1,861 Listeners

          Parenting Today's Teens by Mark Gregston

          Parenting Today's Teens

          319 Listeners

          Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting by Dr. Lisa Damour/Good Trouble Productions

          Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

          819 Listeners

          Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

          Huberman Lab

          28,263 Listeners

          Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

          Good Inside with Dr. Becky

          4,346 Listeners

          The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

          The Mel Robbins Podcast

          20,877 Listeners

          Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali by Dr. Shefali / Maia Wisdom

          Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali

          160 Listeners