Children with mutual interests often come together to form a friend group. However, cliques are formed to...
Children with mutual interests often come together to form a friend group. However, cliques are formed to keep others from joining the group without permission or socially isolate members. A clique may be an excellent way for your child to make friends, but it can also put them at risk of negative peer pressure and social isolation. However, as a parent, you can support your child when you know the risks of cliques for your child. For one, being in a clique may hinder your child's self-discovery.
Children in cliques often focus more on fitting in and following group rules than developing their personal identity, which can hinder their growth. It is crucial for your child to form their sense of self at a young age, as it contributes to better personal development and mental well-being. Cliques can also restrict your child's social circle, limiting opportunities to form meaningful relationships outside the group. Moreover, peer pressure within cliques may influence your child to make poor decisions, as they may feel obligated to conform to the group's choices, even when they know those decisions are harmful. Encouraging your child to embrace their individuality and form diverse relationships can help them develop healthier self-esteem and make better choices.
Read on to learn more about the risks of cliques for your child:
When your child is part of a clique, the pressure to fit in and gain popularity often overshadows their journey of self-discovery. This environment can hinder the development of a distinct sense of identity, as your child may start to shape their self-perception based on the rules and expectations of the group. As a result, they may struggle to embrace their uniqueness and develop low self-esteem or self-confidence. Being part of a clique can also limit your child's ability to express their own opinions. If they are not the leader, their thoughts may be dismissed, or they may feel compelled to suppress their views to avoid standing out or seeming more knowledgeable than others. Over time, this dynamic can undermine their sense of identity, making it difficult for them to understand their personal preferences and leading them to rely on others for decisions. It's important to encourage your child to explore their individuality and embrace their uniqueness, helping them to develop a healthy sense of self.
When your child is part of a clique, the pressure to conform and maintain their place in the group can make it difficult for them to form new friendships. Cliques often discourage branching out, creating barriers to making new acquaintances and expanding their social network. If your child attempts to make new friends, the clique might exclude them from group activities, creating a fear of being left out or losing their current social standing. This fear can prevent your child from seeking new connections, limiting their ability to explore different social dynamics and interests. Having friends from different circles can expose your child to diverse perspectives and help them develop their personality by learning from others. However, being confined to a clique restricts these opportunities, preventing them from discovering new interests and forming a more rounded sense of self. Additionally, your child might struggle to make new friends because they tend to compare everyone to the members of their clique, often perceiving others as unworthy of their friendship if they don't conform to the clique's standards or appearance.
Children are highly impressionable, and being part of a clique can significantly influence their behavior, sometimes leading them to make decisions they might not otherwise consider. One of the risks of cliques is the pressure to conform, which may lead your child to make poor choices just to fit in. The desire to be accepted and prove their worth to the group can push them to make decisions that go against their values or better judgment. They may take risks without considering the consequences or engage in behaviors they wouldn’t normally choose, simply to align with the group. Additionally, the desire to maintain their place in the clique can encourage your child to participate in hurtful actions, like bullying or making fun of others who don’t fit the group’s ideals. The idea that being mean or excluding others can elevate one’s status within the clique can normalize negative behaviors, influencing your child to adopt these actions as a means to feel validated.
One of the significant risks of cliques for your child is exposure to harassment. Due to the exclusivity and hierarchical nature of many cliques, your child may either become a target of harassment or be pressured to participate in harassing others to maintain their place in the group. This can occur even when it goes against their better judgment, as the desire to fit in and be accepted by the group may outweigh the consideration of how their actions affect others. Children with a low rank in the clique are especially vulnerable, as they may be tasked with doing the group's “dirty work” to prove their loyalty. Additionally, if your child has low self-esteem or lacks confidence, they may feel compelled to comply with the clique’s demands, even if it involves harmful behavior toward others. Failing to conform may result in exclusion or punishment, further reinforcing negative behaviors and pressures to maintain group membership at all costs.
It is crucial for your child to have friends who genuinely care about them and prioritize their well-being. However, being part of a clique may lead your child to develop unhealthy, unauthentic friendships. In a clique, friendships are often based on what your child can offer the group rather than mutual care and respect. Once your child no longer serves the group's interests, they may be discarded and ostracized. True friendship is often lacking in cliques, as members may be more focused on maintaining their status or fitting into the group than forming meaningful, supportive relationships. Furthermore, authentic friendships are essential for your child's emotional and social development, helping to build self-confidence and providing a sense of belonging. When your child is involved in a clique, it becomes challenging for them to form these genuine connections, leaving them without the supportive relationships they need for healthy growth and happiness.
Being in a friend group is common, and not all groups are bad for your child. However, it turns unhealthy when these cliques negatively impact your child's behavior and mental well-being. Therefore, as a parent, you must support your child by assisting them in leaving unhealthy cliques. The risks of cliques for your child include hindering them from discovering themselves, limiting their social circle, influencing them to make poor decisions, exposing them to bullying, and preventing them from having authentic friends.
https://blablawriting.net/effects-of-cliques-on-teen-identity-essay
https://psychcentral.com/lib/click-or-clique-positive-and-negative-teen-social-groups
https://www.verywellfamily.com/a-clique-or-friends-how-to-tell-the-difference-460637
https://www.familyeducation.com/school/cliques/your-child-cliques
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860
https://paradigmtreatment.com/social-cliques-teen-mental-health/
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
Help your child by providing support and guidance, using positive language, highlighting the progress they have made, breaking down the challenge into smaller steps, and motivating them with positive affirmations.
