What significant development occurs during adolescence?

During adolescence, one of the most significant developments is the formation of peer relationships. This developmental stage marks a transition from dependency primarily on family to a growing reliance on friends and peers for social support, validation, and identity. Adolescents start to explore their social worlds more extensively, which leads to forming deeper connections with peers. These relationships can have a profound impact on their social skills, emotional well-being, and identity development. Peer interactions help adolescents learn important lessons about cooperation, conflict resolution, and the dynamics of social groups, shaping their understanding of relationships and society as a whole.

While aspects such as independence and love also play important roles during this period, the distinct shift towards valuing and navigating peer relationships is particularly defining and impactful during adolescence. School is a context where some of these peer relationships develop, but it does not encompass the full scope of social development occurring in this phase.