Your Teenager & Alcohol

Every teenager is influenced by his or her friends.

But, according to a study at Pennsylvania State University, when it comes to drinking alcohol, teens are actually most influenced by the friends of their friends.

Researchers found that dating someone whose friends are big drinkers is more likely to cause a teenager to drink than the drinking habits of the teen's own friends or romantic partner.

The reason for this might be that teenagers are motivated to be more like their partner's friends in an effort to strengthen their relationship with their partner.

Of course, the influence doesn't have to be negative. If the friends of the friends are sweet kids with good habits, there would be an influence for your kid to be good.