Popularity For Teens And Its Importance
The search for popularity by teenagers is something natural, as long as it is within normal parameters. The social becomes fundamental in their lives, they need to identify with the group, belong and be accepted.
Sometimes we see everything that happens in adolescence as a tangle of problems. We classify them as complex, difficult and conflicting; which only makes the development process difficult.
Puberty is a stage where physical changes are evident, hormones play an important role, and the personality begins to solidify.
Emotions are fickle – and this is something natural that makes teenagers unable to understand what is happening to themselves.
As adults living with teenagers, whether we are parents, relatives or teachers, we must keep in mind that these changes affect them in different ways and it is important to remain understanding and open to listening and understanding.
During this phase, teenagers try to find out who they really are. The family is no longer the center of your universe to turn your friends and the world around you into your reference. This makes teenagers’ popularity a cornerstone.
Insecurity and low self-esteem can become a danger when combined with the quest for popularity; and that’s where we have to be very attentive to the signals that teenagers send us.
Some Risks of Searching for Popularity
be who you are not
We should try to help young people to seek popularity through actions that identify them as individuals and with positive qualities; and not pretending to be who they are not just to be accepted.
In the long run, these fake papers come back to haunt them; as their peers find them unreliable.
In addition, the search for approval can lead them to hide less socially accepted emotions, such as sadness. In the long run, it becomes a lifelong habit and they can become adults unable to connect with their feelings.
inappropriate behaviors
If teens don’t have a good follow-up and an example to follow, they may start exhibiting behaviors to attract attention and gain more followers; mainly on social networks.
superficial relations
If they focus only on the quest for popularity, without giving importance to building real bonds, they will create superficial and short-lived friendships.
What can we do as parents?
communication and reflection
Communication is a process that must be worked on since the children are young. Many parents have not kept this bond active and think that when their children reach puberty, they will tell them everything. Wrong!
You should always be around and have an open and observant attitude towards them. If you find that a teenager is very concerned about popularity, ask them what their motivations are and get them to think about them.
What do you think popularity will bring you? What will you do if you become too popular? Do you think your life will change radically?
Encourage healthy relationships
It’s an excellent time for young people to play sports, form a music group or develop any hobby that motivates them.
In this way, they will establish connections based on something more than just being known.
respect comes first
Encouraging respect for yourself and others is fundamental, and this is another aspect that should be instilled in young people as they are developing.
Respect is one of the central axes for a teenager to grow by experimenting, challenging and overcoming limits; but always with your feet on the ground, without harming anyone, including yourself.
We must not forget that the quest for popularity in adolescence is crucial. It is our role to give them the necessary support so that this does not become a dangerous weapon that can harm them and also affect others.
Remember that adolescence doesn’t come overnight. It is a growth process and, therefore, we must offer our children the necessary tools to face it from childhood.
