You probably remember your own social life in your mid-teens as dynamic and, most of all, dramatic. Why? Does drama serve a purpose?
You’re likely familiar with teen movies about dramatic social lives in high schools, like “Mean Girls.” In this movie, the 15-year-old home-schooled Cady is thrown into the world of high school social dynamics. She meets popular girls and gets accepted into their group, but when one of them doesn’t receive a candy cane for Christmas, it leads to serious social issues.
Maybe you remember similar scenes from your own teen years, even if a little less dramatic. It must be exhausting for teens to keep friendships this way. So why do teenagers have and need all this drama? Is there something good in this behaviour as well?
Making Friends: A Crucial Skill
Adolescence is a very important time for developing social skills and social competence. One of the most crucial activities is forming and keeping friendships. These relationships help teens build their identity, self-esteem, and social skills that are useful for later close relationships.
The Teen Brain: A Work in Progress
During adolescence, the teenage brain undergoes significant changes related to social behaviour. These developing brain regions are called the “social brain network.” This network is important for social interactions, like understanding others’ intentions and perspectives.
Social development in adolescence is influenced by both the social environment and brain development. As teens grow older, brain regions involved in perspective-taking and behaviour regulation mature. This means they’re better at considering other people’s feelings and behaving accordingly.
Navigating the Social World
The interplay between brain development and the social environment helps teens learn about the world, social norms, and how to adapt to different social situations. All the drama within their peer group is part of their journey to adulthood. It’s a way for them to form their identity and learn how to behave and feel comfortable in different social settings.
So, the next time you hear a group of teenage girls discussing their “friends” on the bus, remember it’s all part of their development. They’ll probably learn from it!
Understanding Your Teen’s Drama
While teenage drama can be frustrating for parents, it’s important to remember that it’s a normal part of the adolescent experience. By understanding the underlying reasons for this behaviour, you can better support your teen and help them navigate the challenges of social relationships.
