Being "Cool" in Middle School

A new study shows that gentle and quiet kids in middle school will grow up to rule. Or, at least, they'll live healthier and more productive lives than the "cool" kids will.

The study looked at 13-year-olds who acted old for their age by having "cool" behavior, such as early romantic relationships. They were seen as "cool" and popular kids. But as they grew up, things changed. The study found that these kids tended to have problems with drugs and relationships by their early 20s.Their behavior was no longer linked with popularity. Instead, they were thought to be less socially skilled by their peers. Besides, the average "cool" kids, by age 22, did more poorly than the average kids in the study. They had a 45 percent greater rate of problems due to drugs and alcohol. They also had a 22 percent greater rate of criminal behavior. The study also found that these kids failed to develop important life skills. They spent so much time trying to seem cool. They didn't develop the skills needed for meaningful friendships.

The study followed 86 male and 98 female middle school students for a 10-year period. It has some surprising findings. In particular, the study notes that the so-called "cool" behavior is a predictor（预示）of future problems with drugs and alcohol. In fact, it is a better predictor than drug and alcohol use in middle school. However, one conclusion of the study is welcome. Researchers said that parents shouldn't worry too much if their kids don't seem that popular. If a kid prefers to spend Saturday nights at home watching a movie or reading instead of going out with friends, that is not a cause for concern. Many "uncool" kids, they said, do much better later on than the popular kids do.

"Cool" kids have better life skills than "uncool" kids.