The peer group that seems to be so powerful in naturally occurring settings, when teens choose their own peers, may not be the same one that adults try to create in programs. There are advantages and disadvantages in running peer programs. While this review did not produce conclusive evidence that peer programs are more successful than other approaches in preventing teen pregnancy, it did highlight a number of positive aspects of this approach. As noted above, peer programs have been shown to be successful in lessening substance use. And, while there are few systematic studies documenting changes among peer leaders themselves, these leaders often report positive outcomes from their program involvement.
Adults say that peer programs can be less expensive than programs staffed by adults.
Some writers are not so positive. They report that the decreased salary costs for teens are more than offset by increased costs for training, supervision, insurance and transportation. Quality of presentation has been a challenge in some peer programs and others have worried that teens can make negative behaviors seem more positive than intended. This review challenges us to use peer programs more strategically, if we are to use them at all. Developing youth leadership and encouraging young people to support each other in positive behaviors are worthy goals.