From Rrules

 

2	I belong to a clique

Contents 1 Definition 2 Why upside 3 Tips: The downsides of Cliques 4 Coping with cliques 5 How should Parents deal with Cliques? 5.1 Bibliography 5.2 Related Pages 5.3 External Helpful Sites 5.4 Outline Sequence

[edit] Definition

A clique is an informal and restricted social group formed by people who share common interests or patterns of behavior. They are often subsets of larger social groups and are most commonly associated with teenagers, although they may exist anywhere.

Reference: Insight into Cliques

Cliques in school usually start forming as early as in the 4th grade and can become more and more intense as the years go by. These groups could dictate the language used, clothes worn, TV shows watched, the kind of music heard and the magazines read.

2	Cliques offer support

[edit] Why upside

Cliques may be viewed as tightly interconnected circles of friends. These are classmates who share interests and values and fill emotional voids. Teens turn to the members of their clique for advice and support. Cliques are the best sounding board if teens are having problems with their teachers or parents. Members of cliques will listen and be accepting.

Reference: More Clique Insights

Cliques provide:
*A sense of belonging to their members

*A source of support

*Protection from other cliques

*Boosts to members' self-esteem by making them feel wanted.

2	I feel depressed because I am unable to belong to the clique of my choice

1	I think cliques are positive

[edit] Tips: The downsides of Cliques

-The thing that makes a group a clique is that they leave some kids out on purpose. Usually one or two popular kids control who gets to be in the clique and who gets left out.

-Kids may act much differently than they did before they were part of the clique.

Reference: The Downsides of a Clique

Cliques can:
*…become guarded and hostile to outsiders. One of the ways cliques reinforce themselves is by putting down whoever isn't in with them, using teasing, taunting, and violence.

*…leave you devoid of individuality and prevent you mixing with people outside your group. Cliques often require some uniformity among members-in appearance, in attitude, or in behaviour-to distinguish their group from other people and from other cliques and reject anyone who is different.

*…make you act differently from normal in an effort to fit in

*…dump you at the drop of a hat, leaving you isolated and vulnerable.

Reference: Other effects of Cliques

1	Parents should talk to their teens about cliques

[edit] Coping with cliques

It is important that parents talk to their teens about cliques, making them aware of the pros and cons. If your child is popular, you may want to talk about being sensitive to kids who do not belong to cliques and feel left out. It is absolutely crucial to know if your child is feeling ostracized.

Tip: I found these articles very helpful in understanding how to deal with cliques.
Surviving Cliques
What you can do to cope with cliques

[edit] How should Parents deal with Cliques?

Tip: Parents should talk to their kids about always including others
Tip: Parents should always make sure that birthday parties and play dates are spread out and no one feels left out.
Tip: Parents should help kids feel that they are secure without having to identify with a clique.

 

[edit] Bibliography

[edit] Related Pages

High School Sports
Club Sports
Hobbies
Cliques
Bullying
Peer Pressure
Prom
After School Activities
Band
Dance Troupe
Theater
Choir
Community Service
Internships and Jobs for Teens

[edit] External Helpful Sites

[edit] Outline Sequence

Portal:Extra-curriculars and Friends>Social Interaction>Cliques