The Hunt For Popularity Among Teenagers

The pursuit of popularity is natural among teenagers as long as it is within normal parameters. Socialization during these years will be fundamental to their lives. Teenagers need to identify with their social circle and feel that they belong and are accepted.

Sometimes we see everything that happens during adolescence as an accumulation problem. We categorize their behaviors as complex, difficult and conflict-filled, which only makes the change process even more difficult.

Puberty is a stage where physical changes are noticeable. Hormones play an important role, and teenagers are simultaneously trying to build their identity. Their feelings are unstable, and it is natural that they sometimes cannot understand for themselves what is happening to them.

As adults living with teenagers, whether we are parents, family members or teachers, we must always remember that these changes affect them differently and that it is important for us to be empathetic and open to listening to them and trying to understand them.

During this stage, the children try to find out who they really are. The family ceases to be the center of their universe, and their friends and the world around them become the reference point for everything. This makes popularity a cornerstone for teens.

Insecurity and low self-esteem can be dangerous when combined with the pursuit of popularity. This is where we need to be vigilant about the signals that teens send out.

Risks with the pursuit of popularity among teenagers

Being someone you are not – a central part of the pursuit of popularity

We must try to help our teenagers act in positive and authentic ways instead of pretending to be someone they are not.

In the end, these false roles result in the exact opposite. It can make their peers see someone who can not be trusted, who is not authentic.

Seeking the approval of others can lead teens to hide feelings that are not socially accepted, such as grief. Eventually, this can become a lifelong habit and lead to adults who are not in touch with their emotions.

The pursuit of popularity is expressed in inappropriate behavior

If teenagers do not have good guidance and a good role model to follow, they can start exhibiting behavioral behavior to get attention and gain more followers, especially on social media.

The pursuit of popularity can create superficial relationships

If they only focus on the pursuit of popularity, without attaching any importance to building true friendships, they will create superficial, short friendships.

What can we as parents do?

Promote communication and reflection

Communication is a process that needs to be practiced from a young age.

Many parents, who have not kept this channel open, still think that when their children reach puberty, they should tell them everything. Wrong! You must always be present and maintain an open and close relationship with them.

If you find that teens are too hooked on popularity, ask what their motivation is and encourage them to reflect on it.

What do they think they will achieve by being popular? What will they do if they become very popular? Do they think their lives will change radically?

Teach them to build healthy relationships

It is an excellent step for teenagers to join a sports team, form a band or get involved in any hobby that they are interested in. It helps them create contacts based on more than just the simple fact that they are popular.

Teach them that respect is most important

Promoting respect for yourself and for others is fundamental. It is one of the main values ​​we can teach children from the time they are young.

Respect for oneself is one of the fundamental values ​​we should incorporate during adolescence. We should encourage them to take on challenges and grow, but with their feet on the ground and without harming anyone, including themselves.

We must not forget that the pursuit of popularity is crucial for teenagers. It is up to us to give them the support they need so that it does not become a dangerous weapon that can harm them or others.

Remember that young people do not suddenly change overnight. It is a growth process, and as a result we must offer our children the tools they need to face this process at an early stage.