Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I remember being a teen in the 1980's and wanting Jordache Jeans, Members Only jackets, Nike sneakers and a whole host of brand name products that were expensive. And kids were comparing what they had to what other kids had and all of that pressure. This is nothing new, all that has changed are the brand names.

I remember this too, and remember outgrowing it by about 14. By later high school, I’d hope most kids are getting more sense. Also, I have two high school sons who are completely oblivious to brand name anything, so it’s probably more of a girl thing.

Y'all are totally delusional if you don't think the internet and social media influencing has put this on steroids.

Im surprised so many adults are so confident in their assessments of the inner life and values of teens outside their households.

Think back to when you were in high school-did the middle aged neighbor lady or your friend Jenny’s mom or aunt Kate who you saw 4 times per year have an accurate read on your inner life and values? Of course not! and neither do you have one on the teens your run into.

Anonymous wrote:I remember being a teen in the 1980's and wanting Jordache Jeans, Members Only jackets, Nike sneakers and a whole host of brand name products that were expensive. And kids were comparing what they had to what other kids had and all of that pressure. This is nothing new, all that has changed are the brand names.

I remember this too, and remember outgrowing it by about 14. By later high school, I’d hope most kids are getting more sense. Also, I have two high school sons who are completely oblivious to brand name anything, so it’s probably more of a girl thing.

Anonymous wrote:So they do well in school, are active in sports, have social lives, take care of their health and seem to be happy….what are you seriously complaining about???

I laughed because this comment is shallow. OP, maybe your kids grow up to be more superficial than yourself, maybe they'll develop more capacity for reflection when they're much older. Either is ok. If everyone had a deep life of the mind, not much would get done. The world runs on people who like to shop. Continue to praise positive behavior when you see it.

Does social media show kids how other kids look?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Peer group and classmates matter more than you think.

True, but it’s tricky to find a school with a strong academic/college bound focus that doesn’t also have upper middle class families willing to follow these consumeristic trends. Pick your poison.

Every school has different groups though. Your kid could fall in with a good/bad crowd absolutely anywhere, like the rich kid who got into legal trouble on another thread.

+10000

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Peer group and classmates matter more than you think.

True, but it’s tricky to find a school with a strong academic/college bound focus that doesn’t also have upper middle class families willing to follow these consumeristic trends. Pick your poison.

Every school has different groups though. Your kid could fall in with a good/bad crowd absolutely anywhere, like the rich kid who got into legal trouble on another thread.