Parents looking for effective therapy methods to help a struggling young boy who made poor peer choices can learn about how we treat students at our rustic ranch and behavioral treatment boarding school in rural Wyoming. 

Rocky Mountain Frontier’s staff understands that parents want to send a young boy or teen to a safe, monitored environment where he receives personal care, and individual therapies that help heal emotional and mental disorders–whether brought on by trauma, foster care, adoption or family genetics. 

And while the young boy or teen enrolls our therapeutic boarding school for counseling, treatment, and improving academic/life skills, Rocky Mountain Frontier also helps boys who made poor peer choices improve their mental and physical health. 

Consequences of Poor Peer Choices

Peers play a large role in the social and emotional development of children and adolescents. Their 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

Rocky Mountain Frontier Helps Boys Make Healthy Peer Choices

Boy students who struggle with the negative effects of peer pressure and poor peer choices at home and at school can find real help through our behavioral treatment program. Rocky Mountain Frontier’s experienced counselors address your boy’s symptoms to determine if poor choices are symptoms of other mental disorders, or not, and create an individual treatment plan to follow, including outdoor experiences, and Love and Logic training. 

We also provide nutritious meals, and healthy exercise and activities. We want each boy student to experience effective counseling and treatment, as well as improve his daily life in a challenging environment, and be ready to return home as a changed young man.

Experiential Learning and Challenges Help Struggling Boys Heal

Rocky Mountain Frontier Boys Ranch and School near Powell, WY wants to help your young boy heal and grow. Through back-country wilderness expeditions, Rocky Mountain Frontier staff helps by pushing the boundaries of a boy’s knowledge and skills. At Rocky Mountain Frontier, he will be exposed to situations and provided the knowledge to overcome obstacles within himself and his environment. Through one on one counseling and training, an at-risk boy with behavior issues can renew and dignify his mind, body and spirit. Your struggling son will also learn things about ranch management and living the “simple” way of life.

To learn more about Rocky Mountain Frontier’s unique alternative to traditional methods of behavioral treatment for at-risk boys (ages 10-17), explore our website, and give us a call today at (307)899-1690. 

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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