Peer pressure works both ways. It can not only push teens to try drugs and alcohol, it can keep them from it as well. A recent study conducted through the University of Southern California found that a drug prevention program was more effective when it was run by peers instead of teachers or health educators.

"The study compared substance use among students participating in the prevention program Project Towards No Drug Abuse (TND), traditionally led by a health educator or teacher, to the modified peer-led TND Network. TND held interactive discussions at the classroom level while TND Network divided the students into smaller groups composed of their friends, increased the number of group activities and a student-chosen leader led the discussion."

Drug use among teens in the peer-led groups dropped by 15 percent more than the teens in the standard program. The study emphasizes just how important it is for parents to be aware of who their kids' friends are and what they do for fun.

A positive peer culture, like the one employed at Mount Bachelor Academy, can help struggling teens turn their lives around.

Labels: influences, peers, prevention