Friendships and identification with peer groups formed on commonalities continue to greatly influence adolescents in high school.
Physical appearance takes on even more importance in high school as teens adjust to bodily changes. Body image and acne concerns can effect self-esteem.
Romantic relationships and sexual identity become more predominant in the late teen years as teens are learning more about themselves and romantic interests.
Alcohol and drug experimentation are common during this stage as teens struggle with peer pressure, stress, and walking the tightrope between childhood and young adulthood.
Parent-teen relationships are felt more intensely as teens want to separate from parents to explore but return for support.
Academic stress increases through high school as grades, college exams, and college applications dominate many teens time and thoughts.
