Parents looking for positive ways to help a struggling young teen girl can learn about how we help students who make poor peer choices improve their thoughts and behavior, at our accredited boarding school and ranch near Austin, TX. 

Established in 1993, River View Christian Academy’s purpose is to provide a safe, structured, and supportive setting for struggling teenage girls, 12-17 years old. River View encourages positive change in girl students who have struggled academically due to negative influences from harmful peers.

River View is not a residential treatment center, or therapeutic boarding school, but we have found that a structured and caring environment can make an enormous difference in correcting behavioral issues among teenagers. River View understands that parents want to send a girl to a safe, monitored environment where she receives personal care, and guidance that helps heal emotional issues–whether brought on by trauma, foster care, adoption or abuse. 

And while the young teen girl enrolls our residential boarding school to improve her academics and learn positive life skills, River View Christian Academy also helps teen girls harmed by their own poor peer choices improve their mental and physical health. 

Call us to learn more: 1-800-494-2200

Consequences of Poor Peer Choices

Peers play a large role in the social and emotional development of children and adolescents. Peer influence begins at an early age and increases through the teenage years. It is natural, healthy and important for children to have and rely on friends as they grow and mature.3

Peers can be positive and supportive. They can help each other develop new skills, or stimulate interest in books, music or extracurricular activities. 3

However, peers can also have a negative influence. They can encourage each other to skip classes, steal, cheat, use drugs or alcohol, share inappropriate material online, or become involve in other risky behaviors. The majority of teens with substance abuse problems began using drugs or alcohol as a result of peer pressure. This pressure can happen in person or on social media.3

Kids often give in to peer pressure because they want to fit in. They want to be liked and they worry that they may be left out or made fun of if they don’t go along with the group. 3

When children start school, their parents begin to lose the influence they once had. By the teenage years, peers are the most influential group as teenagers navigate finding an identity and figuring out the roles that they play. Unfortunately, teenagers who choose the wrong peer groups can find themselves getting into a lot of trouble. 1

When a teen gives in to negative peer pressure it can have some pretty hefty consequences. “Whenever teens do not listen to their instincts and internal guide and only do what their friends say,” this can cause a problem explained Carrie Silver-Stock, licensed clinical social worker, and author. 1

 She goes on to further clarify, “this is the warning sign teens need to pay attention to, and from here, the consequences only get worse. Another clue that things are getting out of control is if the teen is doing something illegal or getting into trouble at school. Other severe consequences might include:

Very tense relationship with parents

Truancy

Drinking or drug use

Accident victim

Drinking and driving

Physical injury

Pregnancy

Health issues (such as sexually transmitted diseases)

Long-Term Effects of Peer Pressure

Not only can peer pressure have short-term impacts on school and family, but the consequences of these effects can be long term. For example, teens might have a hard time as an adult getting a job because of poor academic performance. Relationships with family members can be ruined. Additionally, statistics on peer pressure from the Society for Research on Child Development found that teens that don’t establish autonomy and independence from peers were at a higher risk for abusing drugs and alcohol along with illegal behavior after 10 years. 1

Physical Effects of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can cause physical effects as well in teens. While there are physical effects of positive peer pressure, like a high self-esteem and better overall general health. The effects of negative peer pressure are looked at in more depth. Several studies have found that negative peer pressure can cause: 1

Insomnia

Irritability

Mood changes

Depression

Anxiety

Eating disorders

River View Helps Girls Make Good Choices

One of the most important aspects of redirecting a teen who is struggling is for them to be in an environment that is structured with a routine schedule that they can count on. We believe in student boundaries in all areas of life. Another reason for our success over 25 years at River View Christian Academy is the high level of involvement of staff and parents.

Located on 45 acres in the beautiful hill country of central Texas,  River View’s girl students are also responsible for garden and animal chores, in addition to school and homework. Of course, there are fun school activities, as well as the amazing parks in the area.

We also provide nutritious meals, and healthy exercise and activities with staff and other students. We want each young girl to experience positive benefits of learning boundaries and responsibility, as well as improve her daily life and choices  in a challenging environment.

If you want to learn more about how we help young girls influenced by poor peer choices at home or in school,  please call 1-800-494-2200 now. River View Christian Academy wants to show her a better way to learn, live, and succeed!

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Sources:

1. https://teens.lovetoknow.com/Effects_of_Peer_Pressure
2. https://www.secureteen.com/peer-pressure/the-positive-and-negative-side-of-peer-pressure-you-need-to-know/
3. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Peer-Pressure-104.aspx