High School Cliques

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High School Cliques

High school cliques are typical during teenage years, giving members a feeling of acceptance and belonging. But I believe that cliques conversely damage a teen’s self esteem. The high school should get involved in helping all students feel more “socially included”. How can a student feel like they socially fit in? It is the responsibility of the high school to create an atmosphere for the student body which promotes acceptance and inclusion of other kids, allowing kids to feel like they belong.

Cliques tend to be exclusive, only accepting those who are similar to them such as their interest in sports, after-school activities, hobbies, or even by appearance and other superficial things. They also tend to leave out all the kids who are “socially awkward” or different, and they bully others to make themselves more powerful to their peers. High school cliques form for various reasons, all of which provide safety in numbers. Teens in high school cliques basically allow their members to be comfortable with kids with whom they can identify. Every clique is different and has different personalities and interests. High school cliques get challenged when someone new enters the picture. The particular group has its already established members, and they are threatened and afraid of how their social group will affected if this newcomer enters. They don’t allow the newcomer to be included in their group. The New York Times, author Tamar Lewin explained “Adolescence has always been a time of identity formation, with inclusion, and exclusion, trying out new ideas, styles, and friends. And good looks, athletic prowess, academic achievement, and money have always helped to define the social terrain.” As teena...

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...irming.” Saint Paul Pioneer Press (St Paul, MN) 21 Nov 2002. Student Resource Center ~ Gold. Web. 21 Apr. 2010

3. Meadows, Susannah. “Meet the GAMMA Girls; They’re not mean. They like their parents. They smart, confident and think popularity is overrated. What makes these teens tick.” Newsweek 3 June 2002: 44. Student Resource Center ~ Gold Web. 21 Apr. 2010.

4, Kaplan, Marcia. “SOCIAL STUDIES/ Parents can help Peninsula kids learn to cope with cliques, forge friendships.” San Francisco Chronicle 27 Aug. 1999. I. Student Resource Center ~ Gold. Web. 23 Apr 2010.

5. Lewin Tamar. “TERROR IN LITTLETON: THE TEEN-AGE CULTURE; Arizona High School Provides Glimpse Inside Cliques’ Divisive Webs.” New York Times 2 May 1999. Student Resource Center ~ Gold. Web. 23 Apr 2010.

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