"Deviant peers" refers to a group of friends or acquaintances who engage in behaviors or activities that go against the norms or rules of society. These individuals may encourage each other to engage in illegal or harmful actions. Full definition
For example, prior research has suggested that among high - risk adolescents, lax parental monitoring exacerbates the influence of deviant peer affiliation (Mason, Cauce, Gonzalez, & Hiraga, 1996). (academic.oup.com)
Deviancy training and association with deviant peers in young children: occurrence and contribution to early - onset conduct problems (cambridge.org)
This study suggested that harmonious family environment with high levels of parental concern and parental control were effective in alleviating the negative impact of deviant peer association on delinquent behavior in the Chinese context. (scirp.org)