What is peer pressure?
Peer pressure is when peers influence behavior. Peer pressure can be positive or negative depending upon the behaviors taking place. An example of positive peer pressure is a friend getting you to join a sports team or attend a student council meeting. Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, is when a friend influences you to try smoking or stealing. Regardless of positive or negative peer pressure it is important to take some time to think about your actions. You will ultimately be the one who must accept the consequences of your actions, whether good or bad. Therefore, before making a decision to take part in an action make sure it is really what you want, not what others want.
Why do people give in to peer pressure?
Many youth give in to peers to fit in and be liked by peers. Others may follow peers because of curiosity to try new things. The idea that “everyone is doing it” often influences youth, which can cause fear of being the only ones “not doing it.” It is human nature to be influenced by people of the same age, but it is important to keep in mind the consequences of one’s actions. Youth most often turn to peer groups for understanding, affection, and sympathy. Peers serve as a supportive environment for developing two tasks of adolescence. The first is identity. Identity answers the question “Who am I.” The second is autonomy. Autonomy is discovering that the self is separate and independent of parents.
Facts about parents, adolescents, and peer relationships
During adolescence, parents, and teens become more distant from one another both physically and psychologically. This is normal! Increases in family strains have encouraged teens to depend on peers for a support group. Stress in families caused by work, divorce, stepfamilies, and economic status often cause teens to turn to peers for emotional support. Parent-teen conflict increases at this stage in life. Although most conflict is minor, it is important for parents to keep in mind that youth should be included in decision-making and rule setting.
How to walk away from peer pressure?
Although it can be difficult to say “no” to your friends, it can be done. It is important to pay attention to your true feelings and beliefs about the situation. If you have confidence in yourself you will be able to be independent and make your own decisions. Another great way to resist peer pressure is to surround yourself with friends who hold the same beliefs as you, and will respect your decisions.
If you have a hard time saying “no” to your peers talk to someone you trust. Talking to a teacher, parent, friend, or an older sibling is a great way to learn new ways to walk away from negative peer pressure. Keep in mind that we are all human and have made mistakes. Recognizing your mistakes are part of growing up; therefore, do not feel guilty if you have fallen to peer pressure in the past. Learn from your mistakes, and make different choices, so you do not repeat them in the future. |
