Young people most often turn to adults when facing major life choices. As young people mature, non-related adults become more significant sources of support, guidance, and modeling.

• In an article written by the Search Institute, the authors claim that despite conventional wisdom, most teenagers want and need adults in their lives. A study of 5,000 fourth through 12th graders sponsored by the Girl Scouts found that young people are most likely to turn to their parents for advice. Next came relatives and adults with whom young people have regular contact. Furthermore, the study found that young people most often turn to adults when facing major life choices. As young people mature, non-related adults become more significant sources of support, guidance, and modeling. Unfortunately, many teenagers do not have access to caring adults. In another study, Search Institute found that only 49 percent of young people have non-parent adults they can turn to for advice and support. Furthermore, just 42 percent of kids say they have frequent, in-depth conversations with non-parent adults.¹

¹What Teens Need From Adults, Search Institute, March 1992, pp. 1-6.

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