Last Updated on December 10, 2019 by Valarie Ward

What is a role model? Most of us would say a person, someone we look up to as everything we want to be. Sometimes that person is alive, someone we know personally. Other times that person is a past figurehead, a long-gone hero, or even a fictional character. No matter who we choose, role models matter. And real life role models matter the most.

Role Models as Influencers

From an early age, role models are important to development. They lay down a visible example of good behavior. They show us how to act, how to make decisions, and how to get the most from life. They are the people we idolize, the ones we want to be just like.

In today’s technology-driven world, our youth are heavily influenced by what they see on the Internet, social media, and television. They gravitate toward movie stars, models, musicians, and other Hollywood glamor as role models. And this is dangerous.

Whether from stress or peer pressure, Hollywood seems to have a negative impact on hundreds of talented people: It somehow steers them toward drug and alcohol abuse. Some fight hidden battles with limited incidents hitting tabloids while others fight in very public arenas. Some win; others don’t. And while there are a few amazing examples of people who went from troubled addict to heroic role model, like Robert Downy Jr., it’s the role models closer to home that we should be endeavoring to get our youth hooked on.

Choosing the Right Role Model

Who are the “home grown” role models our youth should be seeing? While some very positive role models can emerge from Hollywood, nothing beats the one-on-one to be had with someone in your own backyard or under your own roof. Our goal should be to help our children see:

• Parents: A parent is every child’s biggest role model, whether the child believes it or not. From the moment they are born, children see and hear everything. The actions and words of their parents will dramatically influence who they are, what they stand for, and how they make decisions.
• Friends: The people we choose to spend our time with are the people who influence who we are. Although not typically thought of as role models, a study by the University of Derby from 2011 found that kids feel their friends have more influence over them than any celebrity or media role model.
• Successful People: From teachers to local heroes, it’s the successful people right in our community who can have a huge impact on the lives of our youth. It’s important to keep them involved in community events so they can see, meet, and learn from successful people in the neighborhood and the surrounding area.

The people our youth idolize will affect their decision making. These people’s actions will influence whether they want to or do try drugs. As parents, friends, and neighbors, we have the power to provide positive influences for our youth. Isn’t it time to take a vested interest?