Social development of adolescentsThe social development of adolescents is very affected by the social world. Peer relationships, family relationships, school, work, and community play a vital role in an adolescent's social and cultural development. Adolescence begins around the age of eleven and lasts until the early twenties. As a child enters adolescence, many changes occur, including changes in physical appearance, sexual maturity, hormonal changes, and the ability to reflect on one's identity (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). As adolescents begin to experience these changes; they also experiment with new behaviors to help them transition from childhood to adulthood. Risk taking is a normal way for adolescents to shape their identities, try new decision-making techniques, and evaluate themselves, others, and the world (APA, 2000). Peer Relations During this period, parental influences often decrease as those of peers increase. This change helps establish independence from their parents. Adolescents begin to assert more control over their decisions, emotions, and actions. These peer groups often provide adolescents with information about how the world works outside of their family. Popularity, status, prestige, and acceptance are often reinforced by peer groups (APA, 2002). The nature of friendship changes during adolescence. Younger adolescents may have a primary peer group with whom they identify. This group will typically consist of peers with similar interests, attitudes, and values ​​(Broderick & Blewitt, 2010). There is a strong desire to conform and be accepted by peers. During mid-adolescence, peer groups change and become more mixed. There is more tolerance towards ...... middle of article ......ive in: The Effects of Neighborhood Residence on Child and Adolescent Outcomes. Psychological Bulletin, 126, 309-337. Markus, H. and Nurius, P. (1986). Possible selves. American psychologist. 41, 954-969 Miller JW, Naimi, TS, Brewer, RD, and Jones, SE (2007). Excessive alcohol consumption and associated health risk behaviors among high school students. Pediatrics, 119: 76-85. Resnick, MD, Bearman, PS, Blum, RW, Bauman, KE, Harris, KM, Jones, J., Tabor, J., Beuhring, T., Sieving, RE, Shew, M., Ireland, M., Bearinger, LH and Udry, JR (1997). Protecting adolescents from harm: Results from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Journal of the American Medical Association, 278, 823-832. Steinberg, L. (2001). We know a few things: Parent-adolescent relationships retrospectively and prospectively. Journal of Adolescence Research, 11, 1-19