We re failing there. We re failing with respect. Cliques form in the junior high and high school years because teens are working to form their identity away from their family the first social group, said Linda Petersen, assistant professor of social work at Marycrest International University of Davenport. Kids need to do that. They need to dye their hair purple of pierce their tongue.
Some kids go into a clique that is opposite of their family s personality.
Others join a clique that has the same characteristics as their parents and siblings, Petersen said. Yet others cross the line between cliques and have friends who are cheerleaders and gang bangers. It s when teens can t reach out that many get into trouble, Petersen said. However, cliques can be damaging, too, Petersen cautions. Mark Vincent, a social psychologist at Augustana College in Rock Island, agrees.