Final answer:
During high school years, adolescents often find same-gender friends to provide more support than parents as they form their identities and seek independence, although parents still have a significant influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescents tend to seek support from their peers, especially from same-gender friends, as they work to form their identities during high school years. This shift typically takes place when they develop a desire for independence and begin to engage in different types of activities with their peers than with their families. Although peer groups become highly influential during adolescence, this does not negate the fact that warm and healthy relationships with parents can have a beneficial impact on teens, proving that parental support continues to be substantial. It's important to note that despite the increasing relevance of peer support, research indicates that parents still hold significant sway over their children's major life decisions.