Being a part of a group in high school can be a great confidence-booster. The young person will feel accepted and motivated. If it is a group of high-achieving students, then the individual's academic performance will naturally improve. This is a group that has a positive effect. In cases of certain peer groups or cliques, substance and alcohol abuse, behavior problems, rebelliousness and a general tendency to indulge in illegal or dangerous activities to stay in the group become the norm.
The typical clique is one made up of the popular kids in school. The cheerleader, the jock, the cool prince or princess who are spoiled and privileged control this type of clique. There are also cliques that are not so obvious and not made up of the "popular" kids. These cliques have the rebels or the "outcasts," who consider themselves different from the norm. Each clique expects its members to conform to the unwritten "code" of the clique; failure to do so results in ostracizing and rejection. The sensitive teenager has to deal with tremendous pressure.
Whereas a clique can be made up of boys, girls or both, the general stereotype is that of girls' forming an exclusive group and then making it difficult for anyone to be a part of it. These cliques operate on the belief in the role of social hierarchy in the school community. The pressure is on the members, or those who want to join, to be accepted and remain accepted. They have to dress, talk and behave the same. All individuality and originality are lost.
Schools can play an intervention role if cliques become a disruptive presence around campus. Teachers and administrators can observe the cliques' influence and dynamics and have subtle or direct talks with the members or with the entire school student body in assemblies. Pastoral and counseling care can be provided to help students deal with peer pressure. Lunch table cliques can be broken and tension dissipated by teachers who can take it upon themselves to socialize during lunch hour with students. Raising awareness and opening dialogue forums will also help.