Parent Alert August 2025

By rbean | August 1, 2025 |

Peer and Social Media Influence on Youth Substance Use

A recent study found that e-cigarette TikToks made adolescent viewers 74% more likely to initiate cannabis use. This study also found that exposure to cannabis posts from friends made teens 235% more likely to initiate cannabis use within the year. These findings are significant because they show how great of an influence friends and social media have on the choices youth make.

Peer influence and peer pressure are well known, but often overlooked, aspects of youth development. Youth base many of their decisions, including the decision to use substances, on what their friends are saying and doing. Most youth are not using substances but seeing friends, celebrities, and influencers celebrating substance use on social media normalizes the behavior and makes youth believe it is more prevalent than it is. Youth want to fit in even if it means ignoring what they’ve learned about the dangers of substance use.

Social media plays a similar role in youth deciding to use substances. They are inundated with positive messaging about substance use through advertising, entertainment, celebrities, and influencers. The social media influence increases when peer groups are making posts engaging in or promoting substance use. Exposure to this messaging is happening at younger ages with one survey finding that 90% of teens saw photos of their friends drinking and smoking online before they were 16. This is a concerning issue because youth are spending more time on social media than ever before.

Peer and social media influence on youth substance use can be positive. Youth who see their friends or favorite influencers not engaging in or promoting substance use are less likely to use substances. Educational campaigns and posts from friends rejecting substance use counter the promotional messages seen in advertisements and other forms of media. Prevention efforts should include meeting students where they are at through engagement with friend groups and social media outreach.

Parents also play a role in helping youth make good decisions. One study found that the perception of peer and parental attitudes towards substance use can impact whether youth use substances. You can help by teaching your child about online safety, knowing who their friends are, and having conversations about the risks associated with substance use.

Check out the links below to learn more.

Resources

AddictionCenter – Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse
AddictionCenter – The Influence of Social Media on Teen Drug Use
The Drug Report – Friday Fact: How friend groups drive the teen weed crisis
JAMA Network – E-cigarette and Cannabis Social Media Posts and Adolescent Substance Use
NIH – Perceptions of peer and parental attitudes towards substance use and actual adolescent substance use: The impact of adolescent-confidant relationships
University of Virginia – Social Media’s Role in Adolescent Substance Use

Wayne County Coalitions strives to observe the many different awareness events throughout the year that focus on mental health, substance use prevention, and other important topics. Please click on the links to learn more.

National Back to School Month: Summer break is almost over! Now is the perfect time for you and your child to start preparing for the school year.

Powers Pediatrics – Navigating National Back to School Month: Tips and Tricks
thePersonal – 10 Back-to-school tips for kids and parents

August 5 – National Night Out: National Night Out was established in 1984 to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. It is an annual event celebrated on the first Tuesday in August with festivals, cookouts, and other community activities.

National Night Out – About
Vimeo – National Night Out

August 31 – International Overdose Awareness Day: This is a day to remember those who have lost their lives to a drug overdose and begin a discussion on how communities can work together to prevent overdoses.

International Overdose Awareness Day – About the Campaign
International Overdose Awareness Day – Facts & Stats
CDC – Preventing Opioid Overdose

Stay tuned for more information on Overdose Awareness Day Events in Wayne County!

The struggle to find your purpose in life is something we can all relate to. This can be especially difficult for youth because of the focus on academics and extra-curricular activities. You can help your child discover their purpose by showing interest in their hobbies and starting a conversation about their goals for the future. Check out the resources below to learn more.

Resources

Prevention Action Alliance – Know! to Help Youth Find Purpose
Center for Parent & Teen Communication – Tips to Guide Teens to Find Purpose in Life
PBS Kids – Ways to Nurture Interests That Inspire Kids to Explore Their Passions
RasingHealthyTeens.org – Tips to Help Your Teen Cultivate Their Passion

Thank you for being a vital member of our community!

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