If she hangs out with one or more high-risk boys , then her risk of pregnancy increases. In the third chapter of Peer Potential , Susan Philliber of Philliber Research Associates examines evaluation research on programs that use peer leaders and peer support interventions. She concludes that enthusiasm for peer-based programs exceeds what research says about their effectiveness. In fact, although kids report that they do like to hear from each other about relationship issues and social challenges, they find adults more credible messengers for factual information. In a number of studies, results for programs led by teens versus adults were about the same.
Effectiveness seems tied less to age than to the quality, empathy, and skills of the program leader.
However, the kids who lead peer programs probably benefit from the experience. Peer Potential also offers research-based advice for parents and programs. Here are a few examples. Learn more about how your children's friends get along with their parents. Take more care in choosing peer leaders.