Peer Influence in Adolescence: Public-Health Implications for COVID-19

Trends Cogn Sci. 2020 Aug;24(8):585-587. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2020.05.001. Epub 2020 May 8.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in the widespread implementation of social distancing measures. Adhering to social distancing may be particularly challenging for adolescents, for whom interaction with peers is especially important. We argue that young people's capacity to encourage each other to observe social distancing rules should be harnessed.

Keywords: COVID-19; adolescence; peer influence; public health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Peer Influence*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Public Health*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Social Norms