Family Influence Statistics

These charts is collected quantitative data that states where youth has access to alcohol, and parents are the most common method for youth to access alcohol. The charts state the access rate in 2003 and in 2012. Despite the year gap between 2003 and 2012, parents remain the main method of access to alcohol. I personally believe this is accurate, because youth does not have access to as much money as adults do, they result in finding ways to purchase/own things at the cheapest price. I believe youth steals their parents alcohol to avoid spending their money, and it is also more convenient for them because they are unable to purchase alcohol on their own because they are underage.

Drinking Affects on Teenage Brain

This is youtube clip that outlines the affects of drinking has on the teenage brain. I think it is important for teens to understand the risks of drinking before they engage in such deviant behaviour. Teenage drinking is an example of generational replacement because the behaviours learnt from drinking, or the long term effects may influence an individuals future. 

So what?

SO.. Why is teenage drinking considered deviant?

Aside from being underage, drinking is literally not healthy for teens. I know teenagers brains are still developing, therefore drinking can alter this process. The human brain does not fully develop until mid twenty's. *hey- maybe this is why adolescents are known for being partiers in University because it is a prime time to begin drinking, according to brain development theories* The human brain's core development occurs during adolescence. Drinking can alter this development, therefore beginning to drink before suggested legal age alters the process. 

Teenagers are aware drinking is unhealthy, but continue this deviant behaviour. I believe teenagers enjoy drinking for the socialization aspect to interact and learn to function in society. I believe teenagers enjoy drinking for the adrenaline aspect, getting together with a cohort of teenagers to behave in ways that are deviant. Teenagers often believe they are invincible, this is why I believe the age group enjoys drinking because of the opportunity to feel rebellious. Elkind's theory of Adolescent Egocentrism can be applied to rationalize why teenagers are deviant by drinking or using drugs. Elkind's ideas of adolescence believes the primary feature of this phase of life is the immaturity of the thinking process. Teenagers are unable to recognize deviant behaviour because of their lack of maturity, simply based on the fact of their age. Teenagers are far more immature than adults are because they do not have the experience adults do, and knowledge of what deviant behaviour is. 

This is a photo I believe captures society's expressions when thinking about teenagers drinking.

Parental vs. Sibling Influence

Parents and siblings are both agents of socialization to an individual. I believe siblings have a stronger influence on the deviant behaviour of teenagers than parents do. Although parents are influential in deviant behaviour, I believe it is more common for older siblings to influence their younger sibling. The article I studied about parental influence states the most influential parents are the ones who often drink. I do not believe this theory speaks for all parents. Of course a child will observe their parents behaviour if they are heavy drinkers and consider it "normal," but I believe the amount siblings influence siblings is greater.

In my opinion a parent's job is to successfully raise their child, which includes taking responsibility for setting a proper example. Older siblings have less of an emphasized job to do so, older siblings should definitely be cautious of their behaviour because younger siblings are very perceptive; but it is not their duty to protect them entirely for anything as it is a parents. 

My older brother is a terrific role model, and has always looked out for my best interests. I do believe when I was in elementary school and he was in his late years of high school I observed his behaviour much differently than I do now. In elementary school I constantly wanted to know what my brother was doing, and if it included him acting deviant. Since then, now that I am in high school as he was before, I do not observe him as closely. My brother would never put me in a position of that is unsafe or harmful to me. But it is not his duty to raise me, it his his decision to behave deviant or not deviant and not his responsibility to set a perfect example for me to follow. My parents are responsible for acting in ways that I observe is correct behaviour. Deviance is a learned behaviour. 

Sibling Influence on Alcohol and/or Drug Use

I believe apart from parental influence on deviant behaviour of children, adolescents siblings have an influence as well. In the article "Sibling Influences on Adolescents Substance Use: The Role of Modelling, Collusion and Conflict" written by Sabrina Low looks at the influence older siblings have on younger siblings substance abuse. 

Substance use often begins in the adolescence stage, and the act of an older sibling engaging in such activity has an influence on younger siblings. Younger siblings observe the behaviour of older siblings, which may lead to curiosity of substance use earlier than anticipated if the individual had not had an older sibling. 

The article states in a sample of high school students, sibling alcohol use had a stronger association with adolescent alcohol use than parental alcohol use. The Learning Theory can be applied in the influence older siblings have on their younger siblings, due to the observation younger siblings have on their sibling. I believe younger siblings observe the behaviour of older siblings in the way the act and speak. For example, an older siblings language is influencial on younger sibling language, such as swearing and explicit conversation. If older siblings behave deviant, such as partying, a younger sibling will take notice of this as well. Older siblings should be mindful of the influence they have on their younger siblings. I believe siblings are not in control of what one another decides based on what learnt behaviour they have possessed. A younger sibling most likely looks up to their older sibling, and may mimic their behaviour, older sibling deviant behaviour may be substance abuse.

This photo is an example of two brothers. The older brother has his arm around his brother showing him his affection, and handing him a ball. Picture the ball being a beer or cigarette- whoa! Sibling deviant behaviour influence. 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3605978/

Parental Influence on Alcohol and/or Drug Use

Article "Alcohol Outlet, Parental Monitoring, and Adolescent Deviance: A Multilevel Analysis" written by Bridget Freisthler, addresses the lower level of parenting monitoring is associated associated with the deviance of adolescents including substance abuse.

The article suggests parents who spend more time away from home have less of an ability to observe and keep track of their children's behaviour. The article states a study was done that a town with more bars leads to deviance in children because of the time spent at the bars by parents. I believe If parents are spending their time at the bar, this obviously leaves children with free time to do what they please. The idea of parents occupying their time drinking at the bar leads to the curiosity of doing so by children.

I believe youth's access of alcohol is a leading cause of deviancy, adolescents living in an area with greater densities of off-premise alcoholic bars participate in greater deviant behaviours. The article talks about how areas with greater densities of off-premise alcoholic bars have lower level of parents monitoring their child's behaviour, making it easier for adolescents to begin substance abuse.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2678752/

This is a photo of adults enjoying a beer. I believe this photo relates to parental influence on deviant behaviour because if children observe their parents drinking beer or any other substance as a positive behaviour they may be curious to do the same. 

What causes deviant behaviour?

Deviance is an individuals separation from what society considers "normal" or usual behaviour. To be deviant is to act in a way that is looked down upon by society. Teenagers are an age group that is most commonly found to be deviant. Deviance can be achieved in numerous ways. Alcohol and/or drug use is a form of deviance teens commonly take part in.

It is common to question why teenagers partake in alcohol and/or drug abuse. Society questions the reasoning behind this behaviour. Deviant behaviour can be caused by numerous things, such as peer influence, or curiosity in general. Evidence has been proven that family has an influence on deviant behaviour, specifically alcohol and/or drug use. Both parents and siblings of a child influence deviant behaviour, particularly alcohol and/or drug use.

Why is the use of alcohol or drugs considered deviant? Society puts an emphasis on the judgement of adolescents taking part in such activity. When teenagers are deviant they are going against society's norms. Any type of deviant behaviour (there are many ways an individual can behave deviant) is negative. Murdering someone is extremely deviant, but as is under age drinking. When I put it in that perspective underage drinking sounds a lot better than murder doesn't it? But regardless of the extent of deviant behaviour I believe society lashes out on teenagers for behaving deviant more than necessary.  Society has large expectations of teenagers, the pressure society puts on teenagers is a leading cause to deviant behaviour. I believe deviant behaviour is often an outlet of "escape" for teens. Society considers substance abuse deviant because it is illegal, as teenagers are underage and unaware of what they are getting themselves into.