INTEL 650

In U.S. high schools, certain peer groups can have a negative impact on students, often influencing unhealthy or harmful behavior. While each group varies by school and region, some types of peer groups are generally viewed as problematic due to their behaviors, values, or pressure dynamics:

1. Drug or Party Groups

These groups often engage in drug and alcohol use, sometimes encouraging risky behaviors like underage drinking, drug experimentation, and reckless partying.
Long-term consequences can include addiction, legal trouble, and academic decline.

2. Bully or Aggressive Groups

Groups that promote bullying, harassment, or physical intimidation can be toxic. They create hostile environments and pressure members to conform by picking on weaker or different students.
Students in these groups may become desensitized to cruelty or develop violent tendencies.

3. Cliques Based on Exclusivity or Social Status

These groups, often formed around wealth, popularity, or appearance, can promote a toxic social hierarchy. They exclude others and often encourage superficial judgments based on looks, fashion, or socioeconomic status.
Members may feel pressure to conform to shallow values or mistreat others outside the group.

4. Cheating or Academic Dishonesty Groups

Students who form groups that prioritize cheating or cutting corners academically often harm themselves in the long run. Peer pressure to engage in academic dishonesty can lead to severe consequences if caught, such as suspensions or future problems in college.

5. Criminal or Delinquent Groups

These groups are involved in illegal activities, from theft and vandalism to more serious crimes like gang involvement. The influence of these peer groups can lead to legal consequences and long-term life challenges.

6. Anti-Social or Cynical Groups

Groups that glorify anti-social behavior or nihilism, sometimes referred to as “slacker” or “burnout” groups, encourage detachment from school or societal expectations. Members often adopt a defeatist attitude, resulting in poor academic performance and lost motivation.

7. Online Bully or “Troll” Groups

With the rise of social media, some high school peer groups engage in cyberbullying or online trolling. They can be highly toxic, attacking others anonymously or using digital platforms to harass.

8. Extremist or Radical Groups

Groups promoting extreme political, religious, or social ideologies can be dangerous, especially if they encourage hate speech, violence, or conspiracy theories. In high school, students may lack the maturity to critically evaluate these beliefs, leading to radicalization.

9. Hyper-Competitive Groups

While academic success is important, some peer groups foster an overly competitive or toxic environment, where achievement is prioritized at all costs, leading to high levels of stress, burnout, and mental health issues.

10. Gossip or Drama-Focused Groups

These peer groups center around spreading rumors, causing drama, and manipulating friendships for entertainment. They can be emotionally draining and promote negative social behaviors like backstabbing and isolation.

Belonging to these peer groups can have detrimental effects on mental health, academic success, and long-term personal development. Fostering a positive, supportive, and inclusive friend group is key to thriving in high school.

Here are more types of peer groups in U.S. high schools that can have negative effects on students:

11. Violent or Gang-Affiliated Groups

In some areas, gangs or groups with a reputation for violence recruit high school students. These groups often encourage criminal activities, territorial fights, and dangerous behavior. The consequences can be dire, including involvement in criminal justice systems, physical harm, and lifelong struggles with safety and rehabilitation.

12. Sexually Exploitative Groups

Some peer groups pressure members into engaging in early sexual activity, which can include risky behaviors such as unsafe sex or even coercion. They may also perpetuate harmful norms around consent and exploitation, including the spread of explicit images without consent (sexting), which can lead to humiliation, bullying, and legal trouble.

13. Revenge or Vendetta Groups

These groups unite around shared anger or grudges, whether it’s against a specific teacher, student, or authority figure. They often encourage retaliation, pranks, or even harassment, leading to a toxic cycle of revenge and unhealthy conflict management.

14. “Edgy” or Dark Humor Groups

Some groups build their identity around dark humor, often relying on offensive jokes related to race, gender, sexuality, or other sensitive topics. This behavior may desensitize members to harm and perpetuate bigotry, hate speech, or even conflict with other students.

15. “Influencer” or Social Media Obsessed Groups

With the rise of social media, certain groups become obsessed with building online personas, prioritizing likes, followers, and curated appearances. This environment encourages comparison, inauthenticity, and sometimes bullying those with fewer social media followers or different aesthetics. The pressure can cause anxiety, body image issues, or a fixation on online validation over real-life relationships.

16. Vandalism or Destruction-Oriented Groups

These groups engage in vandalism, graffiti, or other forms of property destruction as a form of rebellion or thrill-seeking. While these actions may seem harmless at first, they often lead to severe disciplinary actions and sometimes criminal charges.

17. Extreme Dieting or Appearance-Focused Groups

Peer groups that focus excessively on dieting, body image, or physical appearance can lead to disordered eating habits, body dysmorphia, and long-term psychological effects. These groups often reinforce unhealthy standards of beauty and can cause serious health risks, including anorexia, bulimia, or over-exercising.

18. Depression or “Trauma Bonding” Groups

While finding support among friends who understand emotional struggles is important, some peer groups bond over shared pain or depression in unhealthy ways, glorifying or normalizing self-harm, suicidal ideation, or unhealthy coping mechanisms. Instead of seeking help, these groups may reinforce feelings of hopelessness or isolation.

19. Reckless Thrill-Seeking Groups

Some groups focus on extreme or reckless behavior, such as dangerous stunts, risky physical challenges, or hazardous pranks. Their behavior is fueled by the desire for adrenaline, peer recognition, or social media attention, but can result in serious injuries or even death.

20. Peer Groups Glorifying “Toxic Masculinity”

These groups reinforce unhealthy ideas of masculinity, encouraging dominance, aggression, emotional suppression, and sometimes misogyny. They can foster sexist, homophobic, or hyper-competitive behavior, leading to negative social dynamics both within the group and the broader school environment.

21. “Toxic Positivity” or Pressure to Be Perfect

In contrast to nihilistic or cynical groups, some peer circles pressure students to maintain an image of constant positivity, success, and achievement. This creates unrealistic standards, ignoring the importance of dealing with failure or mental health struggles. Over time, members can feel exhausted, emotionally repressed, or suffer from burnout due to the expectation to always appear flawless.

22. Overly Political or Ideological Groups

While political awareness is important, some high school groups become obsessed with a specific ideology or movement to the point of exclusion or radicalism. They may pressure members to adopt extreme views and aggressively attack those with differing opinions. This environment can hinder critical thinking and promote hostility instead of open dialogue.

23. Undermining or Sabotaging Groups

Some peer groups subtly undermine others’ successes, either out of jealousy or competition. They may sabotage friendships, academic efforts, or extracurricular achievements to retain control or social power. Being part of this kind of group can erode self-esteem and foster distrust.

24. Fear-Based Groups

In schools with high rates of violence or tension, fear-based groups form for protection but often perpetuate violence or aggression to maintain safety. These groups can create an environment where students feel trapped in cycles of intimidation or retaliation.

25. Escapist or “Fantasy” Groups

While escapism in moderation (like through gaming or fandoms) is healthy, some groups become overly detached from reality, avoiding important life responsibilities. If a peer group revolves entirely around avoidance, such as skipping school to play video games or obsessing over fictional worlds to the detriment of real-life relationships and achievements, it can lead to future challenges in adjusting to adult life.

Belonging to these types of peer groups can make high school life more stressful, dangerous, and damaging to personal growth. It’s important for students to identify such influences and seek healthier friendships and support systems that encourage positive behaviors, growth, and emotional well-being.

Here are more peer groups in U.S. high schools that can negatively affect students, adding further examples of risky or damaging behaviors:

26. Rebellious or Anti-Authority Groups

These groups make defiance against authority figures—like teachers, parents, or law enforcement—a core identity. They may encourage disrespect, refusal to follow rules, or incite trouble simply to oppose figures of authority. Constant rebellion can lead to suspensions, expulsion, and strained relationships with adults.

27. Extreme Sports or “Daredevil” Groups

Peer groups centered around extreme sports or dangerous physical activities often push members to take excessive risks, which can lead to serious injuries. These groups may glamorize life-threatening stunts, pressuring individuals to perform them for recognition or group acceptance.

28. “Underground” Music or Subculture Groups

While many subcultures provide meaningful identity and community, some can veer into unhealthy directions. For example, certain music scenes (punk, goth, or metal) may attract groups that romanticize violence, nihilism, or substance abuse. It’s important to distinguish between healthy subculture participation and when it becomes destructive or leads to reckless behavior.

29. Manipulative or “Mean Girls” Groups

Groups where manipulation is a common tactic, often among cliques focused on social status, may exploit friendships, encourage backstabbing, or use others for personal gain. These types of peer groups promote toxic social dynamics, where friendships are superficial and trust is undermined. Victims may feel isolated or emotionally manipulated.

30. Materialistic or “Flex Culture” Groups

These groups often prioritize wealth, expensive brands, or material possessions as the measure of one’s value. Students in these circles may feel pressured to “keep up” by spending excessively, borrowing money, or feeling inadequate if they don’t meet the group’s financial standards. This emphasis on materialism can lead to superficial relationships and economic strain.

31. Conspiracy Theory Groups

High school students are sometimes drawn to peer groups that promote conspiracy theories or radical alternative beliefs. Whether related to politics, science (e.g., flat-earthers, anti-vaxxers), or societal issues, these groups can spread misinformation and fuel distrust in credible sources. Members may develop skewed worldviews or paranoia that impacts their relationships and education.

32. Peer Pressure Groups

Some groups may not focus on any single behavior but thrive on exerting extreme peer pressure to conform, whether that’s about fashion, behaviors, or interests. In these groups, individuality is often suppressed, and those who don’t conform are ostracized or bullied. This type of environment stifles personal growth and self-expression.

33. Obsessive Academic Rivalry Groups

Academic competitiveness is normal, but some peer groups foster an environment where extreme academic rivalry becomes toxic. Members may compete in unhealthy ways, such as sabotaging others’ work, stealing ideas, or putting pressure on each other to engage in unethical practices (like cheating) to stay ahead. This can lead to anxiety, burnout, and academic dishonesty.

34. Overly Romantic or Codependent Relationship Groups

Some groups revolve around intense or overly romantic relationships where members form unhealthy, codependent dynamics. These relationships can become all-consuming, with students neglecting friends, academics, and their well-being in favor of a romantic partner. This can foster possessive or toxic relationships where students lose their sense of individuality.

35. Sexualization or “Hookup Culture” Groups

Some high school groups pressure peers to engage in casual sex, glamorizing or encouraging unsafe sexual behaviors without regard to emotional consequences or health risks. This environment can lead to harmful stereotypes, emotional distress, and potential legal or health issues (e.g., STDs, teen pregnancy).

36. Escapist Substance Use Groups (Self-Medicating)

Beyond just partying, some peer groups use drugs or alcohol as a way to escape personal problems, stress, or mental health issues. They may self-medicate without understanding the dangers of addiction or overdose, turning to substances as a coping mechanism. This group dynamic often normalizes unhealthy escape methods and discourages seeking professional help.

37. “Toxic Feminism” or “Toxic Masculinity” Extremist Groups

While advocating for gender rights is important, some peer groups take these ideas to an extreme, developing beliefs rooted in hostility, exclusion, or aggression towards the opposite gender. Groups that promote toxic interpretations of masculinity or feminism often spread divisive ideas, leading to conflicts with others and reinforcing unhealthy stereotypes.

38. Social Justice Extremist Groups

Similar to the overly political groups mentioned earlier, some social justice-focused groups become extreme, promoting divisive tactics that go beyond healthy activism. These groups can foster a culture of outrage, judgment, and aggressive tactics, which can alienate others and make it difficult to have nuanced conversations about important social issues.

39. Isolationist Groups (Cult-like or Fringe Groups)

These peer groups often isolate themselves from the rest of the school, adopting fringe or cult-like behaviors. They may follow a charismatic leader or unusual belief system, encouraging members to withdraw from normal school activities and outside relationships. This isolation can lead to a lack of support and critical thinking.

40. Revenge Porn or Exploitative Sexting Groups

Some groups exploit others through sharing explicit photos or videos, often without consent. This behavior is highly damaging, both emotionally and legally. Victims may suffer from bullying, emotional trauma, and reputational harm, while participants face possible legal consequences for distributing inappropriate content.

41. Body-Shaming Groups

Some peer groups, particularly in schools with strong emphasis on sports, cheerleading, or social status, may engage in body-shaming practices. They ridicule or pressure peers to achieve unrealistic body standards. This can lead to long-term self-esteem issues, eating disorders, or mental health struggles.

42. “Goth” or “Alternative” Groups with Dangerous Beliefs

While many goth or alternative groups can be creative and supportive spaces, certain pockets might romanticize self-harm, depression, or death. If these groups perpetuate harmful ideas or discourage seeking help for mental health issues, members can spiral into dark thinking patterns or dangerous behaviors.

43. Overly Religious or Cult-Like Groups

Peer groups centered on extreme religious or cult-like beliefs can sometimes isolate members from the larger student body and pressure them to conform to rigid or fundamentalist views. Members may feel guilt, shame, or fear if they deviate from group beliefs, and some groups might enforce social exclusion or punish dissent.

44. Militant Environmental or Animal Rights Groups

While advocacy for environmental or animal rights is positive, some peer groups adopt militant tactics, encouraging extreme forms of activism such as property damage, illegal protests, or aggressive confrontation. This behavior can lead to legal trouble or alienation from more moderate environmentalists.

These peer groups contribute to damaging environments that can negatively influence mental health, academic performance, and personal development. High school students benefit from surrounding themselves with positive influences that support their well-being, individuality, and future success.

Here are even more types of high school peer groups that can have negative effects, often influencing harmful behaviors, attitudes, or mentalities:

45. Hypersexualized or Gender-Stereotyping Groups

These groups reinforce rigid gender roles or hypersexualized expectations. For example, they might pressure boys to act overly macho or girls to conform to beauty and sexual standards. This can lead to confusion about gender identity and expression, encourage unhealthy relationships, or perpetuate objectification and harassment.

46. Toxic LGBTQ+ Exclusionary Groups

While many LGBTQ+ groups are supportive and empowering, some might exclude or alienate those who don’t align perfectly with their specific ideologies or labels. These groups can become judgmental or elitist, creating divisions within a community that should promote inclusivity. This may lead to feelings of isolation among those who already struggle with identity.

47. “Revenge of the Nerds” or Hyper-Intellectual Elitism Groups

These groups may consist of highly academic or intellectual students but focus on belittling or ridiculing those who aren’t as academically inclined. This can create a toxic sense of superiority and lead to exclusionary behavior toward classmates who are seen as less intelligent or socially sophisticated.

48. Manipulative Relationship Groups

Some groups thrive on encouraging manipulative behavior in romantic or platonic relationships. They might give advice on how to control or manipulate partners, friends, or even family members to get what they want. This kind of behavior promotes unhealthy power dynamics and erodes trust in relationships.

49. “Ghosting” or Disposable Friendship Groups

Some peer groups practice or promote ghosting—cutting people off without explanation—as a normal way to handle friendships or romantic relationships. This behavior normalizes emotional avoidance and can lead to a culture where friendships are treated as disposable, making it difficult to build lasting, meaningful relationships.

50. Competitive Social Media Influencer Groups

These peer groups are obsessed with building social media followings and often prioritize their online image over real-life connections. There’s intense pressure to present a perfect life, participate in viral trends, and maintain a curated online persona. This can lead to anxiety, self-esteem issues, and an unhealthy detachment from real-life experiences.

51. Overly Skeptical or Cynical Groups

These groups reject optimism or trust in institutions, constantly questioning or undermining authority, science, or traditional values without constructive solutions. They may embrace conspiracy theories, nihilism, or a general sense of hopelessness, which can foster distrust and anxiety in members, making it difficult for them to engage positively with the world around them.

52. “Red Pill” or “Incels” Groups

Some groups, often referred to as “Red Pill” or “incel” (involuntary celibates) communities, embrace misogynistic ideologies. They blame women or society for their personal issues, often fostering anger, resentment, and toxic views on gender roles. These groups can lead to social isolation, mental health issues, and in extreme cases, violence.

53. Obsessive Fandom or “Stan” Groups

While being a fan of something is usually positive, some peer groups take fandom to an extreme, where the obsessive support of a celebrity, band, or show consumes members’ lives. They may engage in toxic behavior, including online harassment of critics, overinvestment in the personal lives of celebrities, or detachment from reality as they become fixated on fictional characters.

54. Outcast or “Loner” Groups

Though some students may bond over feeling like outsiders, certain groups can reinforce feelings of rejection or self-isolation rather than encouraging healthy engagement with others. These groups may encourage nihilism, pessimism, or a mindset that further distances them from broader social opportunities, keeping them in a cycle of exclusion and loneliness.

55. Overachieving or Perfectionist Groups

While striving for academic or extracurricular success is healthy, some peer groups put extreme pressure on achieving perfection. They might enforce unrealistic standards of academic, athletic, or personal success, leading members to develop anxiety, fear of failure, or burnout. These groups often leave little room for imperfection or personal growth.

56. Tech-Hacker or Cyber-Criminal Groups

These groups often revolve around computer hacking, coding illegal software, or engaging in cybercrime activities like phishing, online harassment, or data breaches. While students in these groups might initially be interested in coding or technology, they can be drawn into illegal activities that lead to serious legal consequences.

57. Extreme Frugality or “Cheap” Culture Groups

Peer groups that prioritize extreme frugality or being “cheap” can encourage unethical or unsustainable behaviors, like shoplifting, scamming others for personal gain, or taking advantage of people financially. They might dismiss the importance of paying for services or products fairly, leading to a harmful mindset around money and responsibility.

58. “Anti-Feminist” or Male Supremacist Groups

These groups actively reject feminism and promote male supremacy, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women. They may belittle or harass girls or women who express feminist views and create an environment of toxic masculinity. Members may adopt aggressive, sexist attitudes that harm their relationships with others and reinforce toxic gender roles.

59. Gambling or Risk-Addicted Groups

Some peer groups form around the thrill of gambling, betting on sports, or participating in high-risk financial schemes. These activities can lead to unhealthy risk-taking behavior and potentially dangerous addiction, causing financial ruin or legal trouble for students before they even reach adulthood.

60. Exclusive “Cultural” or Nationalist Groups

Certain peer groups bond over ethnic or cultural identity but may promote exclusionary or nationalist ideologies, rejecting other races or ethnicities. Instead of embracing diversity and inclusion, they foster a “we vs. them” mentality, leading to racial or ethnic divisions in the student body and promoting intolerance.

61. Satanic or Occult-Inspired Groups

In some schools, students form groups centered around the occult, witchcraft, or even satanism, sometimes adopting these beliefs not as spiritual practices but as a form of rebellion. While some students may explore such beliefs out of curiosity, these groups can promote anti-social behaviors, encourage self-harm, or cultivate destructive mindsets that alienate members from the rest of the school community.

62. “Clout-Chasing” or Fame-Seeking Groups

Some groups exist mainly to seek fame or recognition, often through extreme or controversial actions. Whether it’s through social media pranks, provocative videos, or online challenges, members constantly push boundaries to gain attention, often putting themselves and others at risk. The pursuit of clout can lead to reckless behavior and a loss of focus on more meaningful accomplishments.

63. “Cancel Culture” or Call-Out Groups

These groups actively seek to “cancel” or publicly shame others for perceived wrongs, even for minor mistakes or misunderstandings. While accountability is important, this culture can become toxic, promoting online harassment, spreading rumors, or isolating students without fair recourse. It creates an environment where students fear making mistakes or expressing differing opinions.

64. Materialistic/Status-Oriented Romantic Groups

Some high school peer groups form around dating and romance but place heavy emphasis on material wealth, status, and appearances. These groups prioritize dating based on money, popularity, or superficial traits rather than emotional connection or respect. This behavior can lead to unhealthy dynamics, transactional relationships, and emotional manipulation.

65. Group of “Gaslighters”

Groups where manipulation and gaslighting are normalized can be particularly damaging. These groups use psychological tactics to make others question their reality, often leading members or outsiders to doubt their own experiences. Being part of such a group erodes trust and can cause long-term emotional and mental health issues.

These peer groups can profoundly impact students’ mental health, development, and future behavior. It’s essential for students to seek out supportive, positive environments that allow for personal growth, understanding, and healthy social interactions, instead of being drawn into groups that promote destructive or harmful behaviors.

Benefits of Homeschooling

Personalized Learning:

Homeschooling allows for customized education tailored to a child’s specific learning style, pace, and interests. This can lead to more effective learning and deeper engagement with subjects.

Flexible Schedule:

Families can create schedules that fit their needs, allowing for more flexibility in balancing educational activities with extracurriculars, family time, and travel.

One-on-One Attention:

Homeschooled students benefit from individualized attention, which can help address specific learning challenges more effectively than in a traditional classroom setting.

Reduced Exposure to Negative Influences:

Homeschooling can offer a controlled environment that minimizes exposure to bullying, peer pressure, and other negative social influences that may occur in traditional schools.

Increased Family Bonding:

Homeschooling often strengthens family relationships as parents and children spend more time together, working through educational material and engaging in learning activities.

Customized Curriculum:

Parents can choose or design curricula that align with their educational philosophy, religious beliefs, or special interests, providing a more tailored educational experience.

Opportunities for Real-World Learning:

Homeschooling allows for more experiential learning opportunities, such as field trips, hands-on projects, and real-world applications of academic concepts.

Enhanced Focus on Strengths and Interests:

Students can delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about and develop their unique talents and interests, potentially leading to greater academic and personal success.

Health and Safety Considerations:

Homeschooling can provide a safer learning environment, particularly for students with health concerns or those who experience anxiety or other issues related to the traditional school setting.

Control Over Educational Content:
- Parents can ensure that the content and values taught align with their own beliefs and preferences, offering a more cohesive educational experience.

Estimated Total Budget of K-12 Education and Potential Savings

The cost of K-12 public education in the U.S. varies by state and district but can be broken down into several components:

Per-Pupil Expenditure:

On average, the cost of public education per student in the U.S. is approximately $13,600 annually (based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics for the 2020-2021 school year). This figure includes expenses for teachers, administrative costs, facilities, and other operational expenses.

Total K-12 Enrollment:

As of recent estimates, there are around 50 million students enrolled in public K-12 schools in the U.S.

Total K-12 Education Budget:

Multiplying the average per-pupil expenditure by the total number of students gives an approximate total K-12 education budget:
[
50,000,000 \text{ students} \times \$13,600 \text{ per student} = \$680,000,000,000
]
This is approximately \$680 billion.

Potential Savings for the Pentagon Budget

If all K-12 students were homeschooled, the federal and state governments could potentially redirect a substantial portion of the public education budget. However, it’s important to note that while homeschooling might reduce some costs (such as facilities and administrative expenses), there would be other costs associated with homeschooling, such as subsidies, support services, and potential tax implications.

For simplicity, assuming a significant reduction in public school expenses while accounting for possible additional costs of supporting widespread homeschooling:

Assumed Savings:

Let’s assume that homeschooling might reduce public education expenditures by about 50% (considering reduced costs for facilities and administration but additional costs for support services). This would result in savings of approximately:
[
\$680,000,000,000 \times 50\% = \$340,000,000,000
]
This is approximately \$340 billion.

Redirecting Funds to the Pentagon:

If this potential savings were redirected to the Pentagon’s budget, it could significantly increase the defense budget. For context, the Pentagon’s budget for FY 2024 is around \$830 billion. A \$340 billion increase would bring the total to approximately \$1.17 trillion.

In summary, while homeschooling offers several benefits, its widespread adoption would significantly affect the overall budget for public K-12 education. The potential savings, if redirected, could substantially increase the Pentagon’s budget, though this would also involve new considerations for supporting homeschooling families and ensuring equitable educational opportunities.