The downside of popularity

As the parents of children with special needs, we may agonize over our children's social awkwardness and worry if they're not popular with their peers. Certainly, the risks of depression and anxiety and anti-social behavior are things we need to constantly be aware of as our kids move into the dreaded teen years. But if it's any comfort, a recent study indicates that kids who are popular, far from being insulated against teen torment, are more likely than less-cool peers to experiment with drugs, alcohol, and petty acts of delinquency. Being good at following the crowd, it seems, means you follow it into some dangerous places.