Worried about the impact your teen’s friends are having on them? You’re not alone—and it’s not as simple as “good” or “bad” peer pressure. In this episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, I sit down with peer influence expert Dr. Brett Laursen to unpack how friendships actually shape teen behavior (often for the better!) and how parents can stay influential without being controlling. Dr. Laursen, who has decades of research tracking teen friendships across multiple countries, shares surprising insights that can help you guide your teen through the tricky world of social dynamics, middle school transitions, and online influence. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I losing my teen to their friends?” — this conversation is a must-listen.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why peer pressure isn’t always a bad thing and can actually drive positive behavior in teens
• How to stay relevant as a parent even when friends seem to have more influence
• What to do (and NOT do) if you’re worried about your teen’s friends
• How online and real-world friendships impact vulnerable teens differently

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

1. Friendship first, influence second: Teens choose friends who are similar to them, not the other way around.
2. Middle school changes everything: The shift from adult-centered to peer-centered social life demands a new Parenting approach.
3. Stay connected, don’t compete: Your teen needs a supportive parent, not a rival for attention.
4. Opportunities, not ultimatums: Help your teen find better friendships by fostering their interests, not forcing social changes.
5. Humanize yourself: Teens respect advice more when they see you as a real person, not just an authority figure.

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CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dr. Brett Laursen

• Website: https://www.fau.edu/science/psychology/laursen-lab/
• Email: [email protected]

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding Peer Pressure in Teens
03:01 The Dual Nature of Peer Influence
05:46 Navigating Friendships: The Parent’s Dilemma
08:53 The Shift to Peer-Driven Social Structures
12:12 The Importance of Positive Relationships
15:10 Managing Friendships: When to Intervene
18:12 Supporting Kids Who Struggle to Make Friends
21:08 The Role of Online Influences
23:54 Building Trust and Communication with Teens
27:01 Humanizing Parental Relationships
29:55 Final Thoughts on Peer Influence and Parenting

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified Parenting coach, this podcast offers practical Parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional Growth. Whether you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make Parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell
#teenpeerpressure #parentingteenfriendships

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Cameron Caswell The Teen Translator

Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, PhD, the “teen translator,” is an adolescent psychologist, family success coach, and co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve student, staff, and parent well-being.

For over two decades, she has been helping parents build strong, positive relationships with their teens through improved communication, connection, and understanding. Dr. Cam is a TEDx speaker, host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast, co-creator of the “I Am Enough” teen 12-week workshop, author of Power Phrases for Parents: Teen Edition, and co-author of Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution.

Dr. Cam is the mom of a teen too, so she not only talks the talk, she walks the walk!