Spending big to keep up with friends, style-wise, is causing some irresponsible financial habits among Britain's teens.
Britain's image-conscious youngsters could be taking out dangerous amounts of credit - because they fear their friends will judge them if they don't splash the cash.
This is the main finding of a new poll from Alliance & Leicester, released today. Just over one third of 16 to 21-year-olds said that they "feel judged" on the accessories they wear, such as sunglasses, shoes and handbags - while nine in ten find image a "crucial factor" in the way in which society sees them.
Accordingly, 24 percent believe that they must spend large amounts in order to "keep up" with their friends. Regionally, this figure went up to 34 percent in the north of England - the highest measured by the survey.
Andy Muddimer, current account manager at Alliance & Leicester, commented: "Peer-pressure has always been rife among young people, as youngsters understandably feel the need to fit in or to belong."
He added: "While spending on clothes and accessories to keep up with your mates is important to this age-group, we would urge them to get savvy with their cash, and that will make it easier for them to keep up with the new trends and lifestyle accessories."
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