As children reach adolescence, peer influences on personal behavior can take on increasing importance in determining the use of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Peer disapproval of drinking and smoking marijuana among 12th graders increased from 1981 to 1992 to highs of 78 percent and 79 percent, respectively. Disapproval of both these actions began to decline in 1993. Peer disapproval of smoking cigarettes has also declined since 1992, although disapproval levels had been relatively stable prior to that time. Peer disapproval of cocaine use increased from 87 percent in 1986 to 95 percent in 1991 and has remained at this level.
Cocaine use commands the highest level of peer disapproval for every year shown.
Differences by Gender. Male high school seniors have consistently reported lower levels of peer disapproval of drinking than have their female peers. Disapproval rates for cigarette use were similar for males and females until 1993, when male disapproval began to decrease. Male students also report somewhat lower peer disapproval of smoking marijuana. Differences by Race.