From cigarette-smoking James Dean in the 1950s to the current generation of rave goers, images of popularity among teenagers often have included alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use. In a study at the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that young people connect cigarette smoking and alcohol and illegal drug use with popularity.¹

According to the study, young people between the ages of 14 and 22 are more likely to connect drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or pot, or gambling with their "popular" peers than their "unpopular" ones. "Young people believe that cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol are easily accessible, and many also believe that the popular kids drink and smoke cigarettes or marijuana," said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. "Since popular kids shape the norms that influence the attitudes and behaviors of those their age, this combination of popularity and accessibility is a dangerous mix."

Teens' desire to be well-liked is not unusual, but it may lead them to make poor decisions, especially when it comes to resisting peer pressure; saying "no" to a popular kid can be tough. You can help your teen by preparing her to deal with peer pressure. Check out "Preparing Youth for Peer Pressure" for help.

Another way to help your teen is to get to know your teen's friends. Encourage your teen to invite his friends to hang out at your house, drive them to a movie or school event, and attend school or community events (like a football game). Meeting your teen's friends will give you a sense of their personalities, their interests, and their family situations. Don't be too quick to judge your child's friends, though. Radical styles and unconventional appearances may be nothing more than a badge of identity. Besides, your teen may dismiss any snap judgments that you offer.

Teen popularity has often been associated with alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use, but do popular teens really engage in these risky behaviors more than their less popular peers? The study looked at perceptions of popularity and accessibility of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.² It did not survey actual use among popular teens. But all parents should watch out for any harmful influences within their teen's peer group, and they should let their teens know that they can be popular without resorting to substance use.

¹ Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. Young Americans Say Alcohol, Marijuana, Cigarettes, and Lottery Tickets are Easily Accessible, last referenced 10/27/2003.

² Ibid.