Human Development: Peer Influence

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses various studies that point to peers rather than parents as the most important influence on a child's life. The author discusses how a child's acquisition of a second language and academic success are both strongly influenced by peers. The Internet, which is becoming increasingly familiar to teens and younger children, exposes them to new information, music, and influences, and also provides a potent source of social connectivity. The author cites statistics that show that children who use the Internet more have higher GPAs than children with less Internet usage, and concludes that how the profound effects of the new media will be played out in this generation's adult lives will only be seen once the current Internet generation reaches maturity.

From the Paper:

"This is expected in American culture, indeed, the fact that we speak of generations, as in Generation Y or Generation X, the Greatest Generation, indicates how it is normalized for children to ally with their peers in their social habits and attitudes. Perhaps the most profound difference between this generation and the past generation is the influence of new media upon children's development. The impact of high levels of violence and sexuality on television and how this affects children's attention spans, sense of self, propensity towards shows of aggression, and other aspects of development is still quite contentious. However, there is agreement that more than television or music, the Internet has had the most profound influence upon the current generation of teens."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Asher, S. R. & Williams, G. A. "Children without friends: The reasons for peer rejection." In Todd, C.M. (Ed.). Day care center connections. 3(1): 3-5. Urbana-Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, 2003. 3 Dec 2007. http://www.nncc.org/Guidance/dc31_wo.friends2.html
• "Developmental psychology: The peer context." The PSI Cafe. Page Updated 10 Apr 2003. 3 Dec 2007. http://www.psy.pdx.edu/PsiCafe/Areas/Developmental/PeerContext/index.htm
• Sleek, Scott. "Blame your peers, not your parents." APA Monitor. 28. Oct 1998. 3 Dec 2007. http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct98/peers.html
• "New Insights into School and Classroom Factors Affecting Student Achievement." Research Brief: Public Policy Institute of California. Issue 76. Aug 2003. 3 Dec 2007.http://www.hewlett.org/NR/rdonlyres/985FC747-BAB7-4E08-8133-F763472A37C8/0/ppicsandiegobrief.pdf
• Willenz, Pam. "Internet use involves both pros and cons." APA Press Release. 2006. 3 Dec 2007. http://www.apa.org/releases/youthwww0406.html

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