Perhaps no age group feels the pressure to fit in and make friends like teenagers. During middle school and high school, arguably nothing is of greater importance to a teenager than their friendships, in both quality and quantity. This may frustrate parents, but it is a natural way for teens to develop social bonds and maintain positive mental health. Yet making friends is not easy, nor is determining positive friendships from negative friendships. Teenagers' friendships in the modern world are quite different from their parents' and grandparents' friendships, furthermore, and today's teens face issues that can seriously jeopardize mental health.
The mental health consequences of friendships are so significant during the teenage years that it is hard to overstate their importance. These friendships may help develop most or all of a teenager's sense of identity, belonging, and purpose. They may propel a teenager toward better self-confidence, higher grades, and a better start on life. By contrast, they may create mental health issues that affect future relationships and challenge notions of what is normal and healthy. Factors like peer pressure, friend communities, and romantic relationships all provide additional challenges to teenagers who are struggling to figure out this key aspect of life.