Identity and urban tribes in adolescence

Adolescence is a stage of changes and discoveries, where young people search for their identity and find their place in the world. One of the ways this manifests itself is through participation in urban tribes, groups of young people who share common interests and adopt a particular aesthetic and lifestyle.

For many parents and caregivers, their children's participation in an urban tribe can cause concern. Is this a positive thing or a risk for our children? What should we do as parents in this situation? Fortunately, specialists on the subject provide us with evidence-based strategies to adequately address this situation.

The search for identity in adolescence

The search for identity is a natural part of adolescent development. During this stage, young people explore different aspects of their personality, interests and values to discover who they are and what they want in life. This involves experimenting and trying out different roles and belonging to different groups.

Urban tribes are a manifestation of this search for identity. Teenagers join these groups to feel part of something, to find a sense of belonging, and to express their individuality. By identifying with an urban tribe, young people can develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence.

Urban tribes as an opportunity

Participation in an urban tribe can be a positive experience for our children. These groups provide them with a space where they feel accepted and understood. Additionally, by sharing common interests, youth can develop social skills, learn from other group members, and form lasting friendships.

Urban tribes can also be an opportunity for teens to explore and discover their own passions and talents. By being surrounded by people with similar interests, young people can discover new activities or areas of interest that they are passionate about. This can be especially beneficial for those teenagers who have not yet found their calling or passion in life

The risks of urban tribes

Although participation in urban tribes can be positive, there are also associated risks. Some young people may be negatively influenced by the behaviors or values of their urban tribe, adopting risky behaviors or behaviors that are detrimental to their health and well-being.

It is important that as parents we are alert to possible warning signs, such as drastic changes in behavior, decreased academic performance, social isolation or substance use. If we observe any of these signs, it is essential to seek professional help and provide the necessary support to our children.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Parents

Specialists on the subject provide us with some evidence-based strategies that we can follow as parents when faced with our children's participation in an urban tribe:

Open communication: Maintaining open and honest communication with our children is essential. Being willing to listen to their concerns and opinions without judging them will foster an environment of trust and allow them to express themselves freely.

Know the urban tribe: Informing ourselves about the urban tribe to which our child belongs will help us better understand their interests and motivations. This will allow us to establish a more informed and constructive dialogue.

Establish boundaries and norms: It is important to establish clear boundaries and appropriate norms for participation in the urban tribe. These limits must be negotiated and agreed upon with our children, taking into account their safety and well-being

Encourage extracurricular activities: Encouraging our children to participate in extracurricular activities that they are interested in and passionate about, outside of the urban tribe, will provide them with a greater diversity of experiences and development opportunities.

Seek professional support: If we observe that our child's participation in the urban tribe is negatively affecting her health or well-being, it is essential to seek professional support. A psychologist or therapist specialized in adolescents can provide them with tools and strategies to address the situation appropriately.

Participation in urban tribes during adolescence can be both an opportunity and a risk for our children. As parents, it is important to be informed, maintain open communication, and set appropriate boundaries. We must always be attentive to possible warning signs and seek professional support when necessary.