Final answer:
Assumptions about teen drinking can shape high schoolers' decisions about alcohol use, either pressuring them to conform to perceived norms or encouraging them to abstain if provided with supportive and informative guidance from parents and adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assumptions about teen drinking habits can significantly shape the choices that high schoolers make regarding alcohol use. If the prevailing belief is that many teens drink and that this is a normal behavior, some students may feel pressured to conform to that perceived norm. The myth that teens only listen to friends is debunked by the reality that parents and other caring adults are reported to be the greatest influences on teen behavior, which implies that communication and the values imparted by adults can heavily influence a teen's decisions about alcohol.
These assumptions may contribute to the creation of a social environment where drinking is seen as a rite of passage or an integral part of the high school experience. Conversely, if the dangers and consequences of drinking are emphasized, or if there are strong messages about the importance of making healthy choices, teens might decide against using alcohol. This highlights the importance of not steering or prompting teens towards a particular response, but instead providing a supportive environment that allows for informed and autonomous decisions.