Short Story About Peer Pressure? Best 51 Answer

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A classic parent or teacher response when you wanted to do something they thought was stupid: “If everyone jumped off a bridge, would you?” This well-known rhetorical question is designed to test the power of social influence or peer pressure. While most eventually learn that reflexively following the actions and behaviors of others can be harmful in the long run, that doesn’t mean we avoid it entirely. Different types of peer pressure can make it difficult to differentiate our choices from our peers in our narrow social circles.

Peer pressure can be a driving force in influencing decisions and habits, particularly those related to alcohol and drugs. As substance abuse problems continue to grow nationwide, psychologists and drug treatment specialists continue to explore preventive care options. It means tackling the problem of peer pressure, an issue that, while widely recognized as problematic, is not easy to understand.

What is peer pressure?

A theory in psychology known as “social learning theory” posits that learning and new behaviors are acquired through observation and imitation of others. Simply put, we learn from those in our close circles simply by interacting with those groups, whether they be parents, teachers, friends, co-workers, co-workers, influencers, or celebrities.

How do the different types of peer pressure fit into this theory? They conclude that three mechanisms are triggered when interacting with peers. These include:

1. Social Reinforcement

It is common to experience social reinforcement on a daily basis. This process refers to reinforcers, which help give people cues or signals that their behavior is being recognized. It can include:

assumption

recognition

Approval

Praise

to smile

While various types of peer pressure may superficially appear as a negative trait, they nonetheless play an important role in everyday life and can be beneficial and even positive. This largely depends on who we surround ourselves with. Additionally, psychological studies conclude that social reinforcement is more pronounced among peers who are directly connected to us. For example, advice from a best friend versus advice from a well-known celebrity.

Positive social interactions often give individuals confidence. However, it is more complicated when the reinforced behavior is primarily negative, such as B. Harmful habits such as smoking, drinking or substance abuse.

2. Modeling behavior

In psychology, as the name suggests, this concept refers to behavior that is shaped by the actions of others. Four components contribute to modeling behavior, including:

Attention – an observer must observe and pay attention to the selective behavior of peers

Retention – the observer must be able to remember the behavior well enough to recreate it

Reproduction – an observer will recreate the actions

Reinforcement – the observer’s behavior is reinforced, usually through acceptance or praise

A simplified explanation can be summed up with the cliché Monkey See, Monkey Do. It’s imperative to surround yourself with like-minded people who are driven by positive outcomes, who can, for example, remain calm in highly stressful situations or who are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.

3. Cognitive processes

Cognitive processing theory can be difficult to understand because it contains many nuances and depends on a variety of factors. The idea is that there is a connection between a developing brain and its potential to be more influenced by peer pressure, particularly when it comes to risky behavior. Basically, the mind tends to be more risky in puberty.

As the cognitive control system matures, it becomes more responsive and capable of developing its own complex, goal-oriented thoughts. Older people are better able to self-regulate emotions and fears, especially when faced with extreme pressure from social circles.

Research continues to explore how cognitive processing fits into different types of peer pressure. What is certain is that as adolescents are more influenced by family, friends and other acquaintances, they need more guidance in dealing with different peer pressure scenarios. Some tips for dealing with different types of peer pressure:

Building self-confidence through various therapies and promoting positive perspectives

Creating plans that address specific risk situations and how to deal with them

Positively reinforce good, healthy, and overall goal-oriented actions

Create an open dialogue that allows younger generations to voice concerns and negative feelings associated with specific peer pressure

Different types of peer pressure

Suffice it to say that not all peer pressure is bad. In order to interact with the world, we need to develop social cues and skills that allow us to easily adapt to our environments at home, school, work, and the public. It’s literally human nature. Peer pressure can be beneficial when it offers encouragement, positive feedback, advice, or encourages consideration of new experiences.

However, there are different types of peer pressure and not all are created equal. Below is a list of what many of us face on a daily basis:

1. Spoken peer pressure

This includes a person directly asking, suggesting, persuading, or otherwise directing a person to behave or act in a certain way. In most cases, when the person exposed to such “spoken” peer pressure deals with it one-on-one, they have a higher chance of making decisions based on personal observation, experience, and intuition. Suppose a recipient is instructed to do something in a larger group. In this case, the pressure to conform to a group’s opinions is immense, even when those views directly contradict personal beliefs and values.

2. Unspoken peer pressure

In a group environment, shared decisions can influence the actions of others, even without direct direction. If a person is part of a group that chooses to break the lockdown, that person may feel pressured to just go along to fit in. As previously mentioned, many teenagers lack the mental maturity to control impulses that would allow them to consider long-term consequences more quickly.

3. Direct peer pressure

Of the different types of peer pressure, direct influences can be among the strongest. Direct peer pressure can be either spoken or unspoken, and it can involve forcing a person to choose a path based on what is directly presented to them. An example is being served a beer at a party when it was not requested. The implication is that drinking beer isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. In addition, making decisions on the spot can be a source of extreme pressure and stress. In these circumstances, many ignore their own views to conform or not to be rude.

4. Indirect peer pressure

Indirect peer pressure can be difficult to spot. Like unspoken peer pressure, it can have a tremendous impact on an impressionable person. A person’s personal view of a behavior, thought, or situation can be drastically influenced by the public opinion of a larger, highly respected group. For example, a popular clique that bullies others. Some may conclude that bullying is okay if used in a way that fits a larger crowd. Similarly, a person may consider risky behavior when seeking acceptance.

5. Negative/positive peer pressure

Negative and positive influences employ the same types of peer pressure mechanisms, but produce very different outcomes. Negative peer pressure challenges moral codes and beliefs, which can drastically impact a person’s mental and physical health and emotional stability. Additionally, it can create turmoil in personal relationships, eroding self-confidence and increasing the likelihood of developing dangerous habits like substance abuse. Negative peer pressure usually includes influences that drive people into risky activities such as criminal behavior, underage drinking, drug use, and an overall unhealthy lifestyle.

Positive peer pressure, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. It may prove beneficial. In this specific type of peer pressure, individuals can and are allowed to inherit good qualities from their social environment, leading to success and well-being. These types of influences can discourage drug and alcohol use and promote mental well-being. This type of peer pressure can also lead to determination, focus, goal setting, strategic planning, and hard work. The concept is pretty simple: surround yourself with the right people and find new motivation.

Responding to different types of peer pressure

Peer pressure is difficult to measure because everyone is different. We interpret our lives through our own unique lens and therefore make decisions based on our beliefs. But even these core belief systems are vulnerable to outside influences, whether from family, friends, or other acquaintances.

While everyone suffers from peer pressure, teens experience it far more often. How should one respond to peer pressure? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Consider avoiding people who make you uncomfortable.

Question how you feel in certain situations as often as possible

Be honest about how you really feel.

Learn to recognize unhealthy dynamics.

Spend more time with people who influence you positively.

Practice saying no.

Find friends who support health and wellness.

Stand up for others when you see someone else being pressured.

Ask for help

Here are some additional tips and resources on different types of peer pressure for teens:

Peer pressure: alcohol and drugs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenagers ages 12 to 20 account for 11% of all alcohol consumption in the United States. Peer influence is a major factor in underage drinking. Unfortunately, excessive alcohol consumption kills more than 3,500 people under the age of 21 every year. In the 12th grade, about two-thirds of the students tried alcohol.

About half of all high school students report using illegal drugs. Additionally, about 2 in 10 high school seniors use prescription drugs without a prescription. Marijuana and cigarettes are heavily used among teenagers. Why is this important? Studies show that the younger a person is when they start using alcohol or drugs, the more likely they are to relapse later in life and develop a substance use disorder or addiction. Consequently, alcohol and drug programs integrate preventive measures to help teenagers avoid the various types of peer pressure associated with drugs and alcohol.

In today’s social media-packed world, peer pressure is playing an increasingly important role. View viral images and videos that can easily influence beliefs and transform personal views in minutes. There are also unrealistic standards, especially those dealing with physical appearance. The risks of negative peer pressure are high, so it’s important to educate our youth about methods of dealing with different types of influences. However, the reality is that peer pressure does.

AspenRidge recovery

AspenRidge Recovery provides support for individuals facing the onset of substance use problems. We also offer support to relatives who are struggling with addiction problems. Peer pressure is a real problem and a problem that many of us face at times on a daily basis. Learning strategies and tools that can help deal with different types of peer pressure can reduce the risk of developing substance use disorders.

Our Colorado addiction centers provide support for those struggling with substance addiction. Our certified clinicians are experienced in treating all symptoms within the addiction spectrum. The programs include:

Contact AspenRidge Recovery Centers at 855-678-3144 to speak with associates about various programs and treatments for alcohol, drug and other co-occurring disorders.

children’s health

May 5, 2020 12:03:34 PM CDT

Nov 3, 2021 9:58:51 am CDT

From the very beginning, parents work to teach their children how to make healthy choices. But as the children get older, the influence of the parents decreases and the opinion of peers becomes more important. Social pressure can affect a wide range of thoughts, actions, and behaviors, from academic performance to drug use and mental health.

“Teens have so much to do,” says Stacie Goran, LPC, LCDC, Teen Recovery Program Manager at Children’s Health℠. “Between school expectations, parental guidelines, a desire to fit in, and the influences of their peers, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and follow the group. It’s important for teenagers to develop their own identity and learn to hold on to their values ​​to avoid peer pressure.”

Learn about the types and effects of peer pressure and how to prepare your child to deal with it in a healthy way.

What is peer pressure?

Peer pressure is internal or external pressure to behave in a certain way, both for good and for bad. Peer pressure begins as early as age 10 with the formation of social groups in elementary school and increases during adolescence through middle school and high school.

Hormonal changes, developing brains, and emerging identities make the onset of puberty a particularly vulnerable time, when peer pressure is most influential. This is also a stage in life when circles of friends are paramount and the need to conform is a major factor in decision making.

types of peer pressure

There are different types of peer pressure that children and young people face. Types of peer pressure include spoken and unspoken, direct and indirect, and negative and positive pressure.

What are the effects of peer pressure?

The effects of peer pressure can manifest differently in each individual. Peer pressure can affect certain strengths or challenges that a youth is already facing. For example, a teen with low self-confidence and few close friends may be more susceptible to the effects of negative peer pressure, while a confident, extroverted teen is more likely to exercise and receive positive peer pressure.

Negative peer pressure can encourage teens to engage in negative behaviors and habits, such as:

skip class

Steal

Cheat

bullying

Use of drugs or alcohol

Negative peer pressure can also impact mental health. It can decrease self-confidence and lead to poor academic performance, detachment from family and friends, or an increase in depression and anxiety. If left untreated, this could eventually lead to teens harming themselves or having suicidal thoughts.

On the other hand, social pressure can also have a positive effect on young people. Positive effects of peer pressure can include pressure:

Excel academically

develop leadership skills

Become the leader of a school group

Participate in extracurricular activities

Volunteer for a good cause

Positive peer pressure can promote a sense of belonging, self-confidence, and a solid sense of self-worth.

What is the impact of social media on peer pressure?

Just as face-to-face interactions can be both positive and negative, communication via social media can also have positive or negative effects. Social media is always available, so teens can get these messages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that social media has great potential to increase feelings of peer pressure, both negative and positive.

A common misrepresentation on social media is when people post the “best” of their lives, thereby creating a false sense of reality. This can lead teenagers to compare the true reality of their lives to the ‘picture perfect’ representation of others’ lives and feel pressured to keep up. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face feedback can create an environment where people share harmful content or offensive comments that they would not otherwise say in person. This phenomenon (called trolling) is an incredibly ubiquitous form of negative peer pressure found on social media. There were also examples of harmful online challenges that could potentially have a negative impact on a child’s health.

Fortunately, social media can also encourage positive peer pressure through groups that support charities or pages that highlight inspirational stories. Access to social media also allows us to stay connected with distant family and friends in ways that were previously not possible.

To support children in the age of screens and social media, it is important that parents teach them healthy digital habits that promote emotional health.

How can young people deal with peer pressure?

Given the impact peer pressure can have on adolescents and teens, it’s important that parents encourage open communication and help their child prepare for situations of negative peer pressure. Check out seven tips to help teens avoid negative peer pressure and respond in a healthy way.

Create an environment of open communication with your child from an early age. Find ways to ask your child about any pressure they saw or experienced and how it made them feel. Let them know you’re there to listen and help if they need it. If appropriate, share your own experiences of peer pressure and how you dealt with it. Model healthy behaviors with your friends and family. Teach your child to set boundaries and be confident in their communications. Ask them to think about what they would say in a negative situation and practice saying no in different ways. Create a plan and backup plan with your child for situations involving negative peer pressure. Let them know there’s nothing wrong with apologizing when they’re not sure what to do, and help them find creative ways to get out of an uncomfortable situation. Make an effort to get to know your child’s friends and their parents. If possible, encourage your child to invite friends over to get acquainted. Encourage your child to seek positive relationships and choose friends who respect them and will not put unfair pressure on them. Encourage your child’s independence and teach them to listen to their gut feeling. Let them know they can’t please everyone, and that’s okay.

If you continue to have concerns about your child and peer pressure, contact teachers, school administrators, or a mental health professional for additional support.

Learn more

The Children’s Health Division of Child Psychiatry and Psychology provides comprehensive services to support the mental health of children and adolescents. Learn more about our programs and services.

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How does peer pressure affect the mental health of children and adolescents?

Peer pressure is often equated with the teenage years – however, most people want to conform from an early age, and peer pressure will also be present in elementary schools.

Peer pressure has some positive aspects – for example, adhering to safe and healthy behaviors and peers influencing academic performance.

Negative peer pressure is often related to influencing bullying behaviors, alcohol use, drug use, and negative body image, all of which are detrimental to a child or young person’s well-being.

The effects of such behavior can reduce confidence, self-esteem, and detachment from family and friends.

Research shows that there is a direct, positive association between peer pressure and depression in young people. At its worst, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and other harmful behaviors.

Research goes on to state that the presence of peer pressure is an indicator of increased stress levels, anxiety and sleep problems.

Social media adds a significant dimension to peer pressure. This means that a young person’s peer group has constant access to them outside of normal school life. Posts related to peer pressure may include images of unrealistic lifestyles or body image (e.g., using image filters), risky behavior, and alcohol and drug use.

Peer pressure or influence comes in a variety of forms, and these types of peer pressure can have a tremendous impact on a young person’s behavior. Research shows that the age at which peer influence can be most affected appears to be in middle school. This is the case when a child makes new friends and chooses an identity among those friends.

It is also the most common age at which children begin experimenting with alcohol, drugs, sexual activity, and other risky behaviors. Very often, the urge to engage in this type of behavior is the result of negative peer pressure. Adolescents who have a larger circle of friends seem less influenced by the suggestions or actions of their peers, but the pressure to conform is very real at this age.

Here’s a breakdown of six types of peer pressure in teens, examples of peer pressure, and tips for parents who want to help their child make healthy, lifelong choices.

1. Spoken peer pressure

Spoken peer pressure occurs when a teen asks, suggests, persuades, or otherwise directs another to engage in a particular behavior. When this is done in a one-to-one environment, the recipient of the influence has a greater chance of sticking to their core values ​​and beliefs. However, when the spoken influence takes place within a group, the negative peer pressure to join the group is immense.

2. Unspoken peer pressure

In unspoken peer pressure, a teenager is exposed to the actions of one or more peers and must decide whether to join in. This can take the form of fashion choices, personal interactions or “joining” behaviors (clubs, cliques, teams, etc.). Many young teenagers lack the mental maturity to control impulses and make wise long-term decisions. Because of this, many teenagers are more vulnerable to the negative influence of older or more familiar friends through peer pressure.

3. Direct peer pressure

This type of peer pressure can be spoken or unspoken. Direct peer pressure is usually behavior-centric. Examples of peer pressure for this type of behavior would be when a teenager passes an alcoholic drink to another, makes sexual advances, or looks at another student’s work during a test. The other teenager is empowered to make a decision on the spot.

4. Indirect peer pressure

Similar to unspoken peer pressure, indirect peer pressure is subtle but can still have a powerful impact on an impressionable young person. When a teenager overhears a friend gossip about another person and then responds to the gossip, it is indirect peer pressure. Or when a middle school student learns that popular children’s parties involve alcohol or drugs, this indirect pressure can prompt them to experiment to gain acceptance.

5. Negative peer pressure

Demanding behavior from a young teenager that goes against their moral code or family values ​​is a form of negative peer pressure. Teens see the actions of other teens with stronger personalities and are empowered to follow the leader or walk away. It’s not uncommon for teenagers with strong moral beliefs to engage in behavior that contradicts their beliefs simply because they want acceptance. Young people often lack the ability to find an excuse or reason to say no to negative peer pressure.

6. Positive peer pressure

A group dynamic can be a form of positive peer pressure when the behavior is healthy, age-appropriate, and socially acceptable. Examples of positive peer pressure can include a group of peers who want to get good grades positively influencing a young teen to study. Or if a beloved friend wants to earn and save money to buy a car, a less outgoing teenager can be persuaded to find a job and open a savings account. When football team members commit to abstaining from alcohol in order to focus on staying healthy and having a successful season, other students may adopt the same behavior.

Parents can be the most powerful influence in a teenager’s life

Parents can have the greatest impact on their child’s life when they understand and are aware of the types of peer pressure their teen faces. Fostering healthy friendships, modeling responsible behavior, and having an open, nonjudgmental family dialogue are important ways for parents to set positive examples of peer pressure for teens. Take the time to talk to your teen about this and ask them about the types of peer pressure they may be facing. Check out our conversation starters if you need advice on how to get things started.

Take the time to talk to your teen about this and ask them about the types of peer pressure they may be facing. Check out our conversation starters if you need advice on how to get things started.

It’s inevitable. As your kids grow up, they’ll want to spend less time with you and more time with their friends, even if it’s through social media. Peer influence is so powerful.

But what are the effects of peer pressure on the social and emotional development of young people?

Youth coercion is a complicated area. While teenagers feel like they’re “grown up,” their brains are still developing. One of the immature functions is judgment.

There are also different types of peer pressure for this age group, negative and positive.

Positive peer pressure can help teenagers develop the coping skills necessary for adulthood. It could encourage teenagers to become more physically active or avoid risky behaviors, which can be especially helpful during difficult times.

Negative peer pressure can lead teenagers in bad directions. It could lead them to try alcohol or drugs, skip school, or engage in other bad behaviors that could jeopardize their health.

“A teenage brain is only about 80 percent developed,” says Gurinder Dabhia, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo. “Teenagers have extra unconnected synapses in the area where risk assessment takes place and this gets in the way of assessment. Also, the prefrontal cortex is underdeveloped, making teenagers more sensitive to peer pressure and risky, impulsive behavior.”

Peer pressure Photo by: gwimages

Definition Peer pressure is the influence of a social group on an individual.

Description Children and teenagers feel social pressure to conform to the peer group they meet. This peer pressure can influence how children dress, the type of music they listen to and the behaviors they engage in, including risky behaviors such as drug, cigarette and alcohol use and sex. The intensity of peer pressure varies from situation to situation. Peer groups are usually groups of friends of the same age. Peer pressure can start in early childhood when children try to get other children to play the games they want. It generally increases during childhood and reaches its intensity in the years before and after adolescence. Almost all young people in middle and high school are often confronted with peer pressure on a daily basis. In this way, children and young people learn to come to terms with their peers and ultimately learn to become independent. Depending on the group trying to exert the influence, peer pressure can be negative or positive. Beginning in junior high, children spend more time with their friends and less time with their parents and family. Although some children remain solitary and do not belong to any group, most adolescents tend to be part of a small group of friends called a clique. Among children aged eleven to fourteen, the members of these cliques are most often same-sex. Children spend a lot of time with friends in their clique, interacting by going to the movies or the mall, making phone calls or chatting online using instant messaging. They know which kids belong to which cliques and who the loners are. Within the cliques, talking about the opposite sex is popular, as is arranging extracurricular activities. Children also usually belong to a crowd, i.e. a larger group of children from several cliques. While clique members are close friends, crowd members outside of a clique are casual acquaintances. Crowds are often large groups with common interests, such as athletes (jocks), children who enjoy going to school (preppies), children who lack good looks or social skills but have special intellectual interests (nerds), and drug users (drugs). Some children give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they fear other children will make fun of them if they don’t join the group. Others may join because they are curious to try something new that others are doing. The idea that “everyone does it” can lead some children to ignore their better judgment or common sense. Peer pressure can be extremely powerful and seductive. Experiments have shown how peer pressure can cause children to change their minds from behavior they are sure is acceptable to behavior that is unacceptable just because everyone else in their group is doing it. These studies have also shown that just having another peer join them is enough for individuals to stand up for what they think is right. This principle applies to adolescents of all ages in peer pressure situations, according to the online organization KidsHealth (http://www.kidshealth.org). Children and young people cannot always avoid negative peer pressure. It can continue to be a fact of life through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. Quoted from an article in the September 2002 issue of Current Health 2, A Weekly Reader Publication, the following are strategies young people can use to deal effectively with negative peer pressure: Avoid putting yourself in situations in which you feel feel uncomfortable. For example, if you don’t want to start smoking, stay away from areas where you know children smoke.

, stay away from areas where you know children smoke. Choose your friends wisely. When you hang out with people who share your values, chances are you’ll never be asked to do anything you don’t want to do.

Think about the consequences of being asked to do something you are unsure about. Stop for a moment and ask: Is this activity getting me in trouble? Will it harm my health?

Be true to yourself. Think about the reasons you are considering doing something you are uncomfortable with. Should it gain popularity? While there’s nothing wrong with being popular, there are right and wrong ways to achieve it. If you change your behavior just to fit a certain group, you are not being true to yourself.

Learn to say no. This may be the hardest thing in the world for many people, but it is an essential skill for successfully fending off negative peer pressure. There are many ways to say no, some subtle and others a little more “in your face”. Some examples are: “You see it your way. I see it my way.” “If you’re really a friend, back off.” “You must think I’m pretty stupid to fall for that.”

Infancy Peer pressure occurs in groups as early as two years of age, when children do things simply because other children do or tell them to. This can affect the child’s behavior, social and emotional development, eating habits, playtime, and sleeping habits.

Preschoolers will do anything to think and act like their friends, even though they know it may go against what their parents taught them. At the age of three and four, children begin to realize that there are different values, opinions and rules than those of their parents. They can demand to do things their parents don’t allow, such as B. watching TV beyond a certain time or time limit, eating junk food, and playing with toys that their parents do not consider appropriate, such as toys. B. Toy guns just because their friends do So. At this age, it’s normal for children to start challenging their parents, testing boundaries and rules to see how far they can bend or break them. Many pediatricians suggest that parents should stand firm, not overreact, and then move on. Peer pressure can have positive benefits for preschoolers, such as: B. taking a nap or eating vegetables when they see their friends doing it.

School Age From the ages of five to eight, children strive to please their friends, classmates, and playmates. Peer pressure can have a positive impact when friends encourage each other to do better at school, sports, and creative activities. For example, a child may try harder at soccer if they have a friend who plays well, or perhaps read more if a friend does. Peer pressure can also negatively impact children ages five to eight if a friend or friends encourage them to behave in ways that are not natural for the child. Many pediatricians and child psychologists say that instead of forbidding the child from hanging out with these friends, it’s best to make sure the child is aware of the consequences of unacceptable behavior. Focus on specific negative behaviors and explain why they are bad. Most children will not respond well if a parent or primary caregiver forbids them from seeing a friend or group of friends. The effects of peer pressure are usually evident in middle school and high school. As children grow into adolescents, peer preoccupation and the attraction of peer identification increases. Adolescents begin to experience rapid physical, emotional, and social changes, and they begin to question adult standards and the need for parental guidance. It’s reassuring for teenagers to turn to friends who understand and sympathize with them. Adolescents expand their relationships with their peers to take a central role in their lives, often replacing their parents and family as their primary source of counseling, socializing, and entertainment activities. The peer group is a source of affection, sympathy, understanding and experimentation. It is also a supportive environment to achieve the two most important developmental tasks of teenagers: finding answers to questions about their identity and discovering their autonomous selves, separate and independent from their parents. In adolescence, peer relationships play a particularly central role in young people’s lives. New types (opposite sex, romantic attachments) and levels (masses) of peer relationships emerge. Peers tend to replace the family as the focal point of a young person’s social contacts and leisure activities. Teenagers have multiple peer relationships and are confronted with multiple peer cultures that have remarkably different norms and value systems. The perception of many adults that peer pressure is a culture or a unified front of dangerous influence is incorrect. In most cases, peers reinforce family values, but they also have the potential to encourage problematic behavior. Although the negative influence of peers is overemphasized, more can be done to help teenagers experience family and peer groups as mutually constructive environments. The following are facts about the relationships between parents, adolescents and peers. During puberty, parents and adolescents move away from each other physically and psychologically. This normal distancing is reflected in a decrease in emotional closeness and warmth, an increase in conflict and disagreement between parents and adolescents, and an increase in the time adolescents spend with their peers. Unfortunately, this tendency is sometimes encouraged by parents who are emotionally unavailable to their teenage children.

Increasing family pressures, such as economic pressures or divorce, can lead teenagers to rely more on their peers for emotional support. By the high school years, most teenagers report feeling closer to friends than to their parents. Work-related stress, marital dissatisfaction, family separation through divorce, joining a stepfamily, reduced family income or increased expenses all lead to increased individual and family stress.

may cause teenagers to rely more on their peers for emotional support. By the high school years, most teenagers report feeling closer to friends than to their parents. Work-related stress, marital dissatisfaction, family separation through divorce, joining a stepfamily, reduced family income or increased expenses all lead to increased individual and family stress. In 10 to 20 percent of families, parents and young people live in a relationship crisis that is characterized by emotional coldness and frequent outbursts of anger and conflict. Unresolved conflicts lead to discouragement and withdrawal from family life. Adolescents in these families are at high risk for various psychological and behavioral problems.

Youth gangs, commonly associated with inner-city neighborhoods, are a recognizable peer group among youth in smaller towns, suburbs, and even rural areas. Gangs are particularly visible in communities with a significant proportion of economically disadvantaged families and when parents are conflicted, distant, or unavailable.

, commonly associated with inner-city neighborhoods, are a recognizable peer group among youth in smaller towns, suburbs and even rural areas. Gangs are particularly visible in communities with a significant proportion of economically disadvantaged families and when parents are conflicted, distant, or unavailable. Formal dating patterns of the 1980s were replaced by informal socialization patterns in mixed-gender groups in the early 2000s. This can encourage casual sexual relationships that increase the risk of exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Part-time employment among youth has increased, but this has had little impact on peer relationships. To find time for work, teenagers forego extracurricular activities, reduce time on homework, and withdraw from family interactions, but they protect the time they spend with friends.

Common Problems Negative peer pressure occurs when a child or young person’s friends or others their age try to persuade them to do something that is either harmful to their body or against the law. Examples include drinking alcohol, taking drugs, smoking cigarettes, cutting classes, vandalism, and theft. Although teenagers usually know when something is bad for them, they often choose to do so because they want to be liked, to fit in, to be accepted, or because they are afraid of being looked down on or made fun of. Bruce A. Epstein is quoted in “How to combat negative peer pressure” in the September 2002 issue of Current Health 2, A Weekly Reader Publication, as saying: “The desire to be accepted by one’s peers is perhaps the most powerful motivating factor during adolescence .” Many studies support his theory. One study, for example, showed that if a student knew the correct answer to a question, he gave the wrong answer simply because everyone else in the class gave the wrong answer. There are a variety of reasons why Children are disliked by their peers When trying to help these children it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking about what they are doing that is bothering others This only focuses on reducing these behavior problems but most rejected Children also lack important social skills, they may not cooperate or respond to others, or they may not know how to react in certain social situations. Teaching a child the skills they lack is often more effective in improving peer relationships than just working to reduce negative behavior.

Parental Concerns Peer rejection in childhood often creates serious emotional difficulties. Rejected children are often dissatisfied with themselves and with their relationships with other children. Many of these children experience strong feelings of loneliness and social dissatisfaction. Rejected children also report lower self-esteem and may be more depressed than other children. Rejection by peers is also an indication of later life problems, such as dropping out of school, juvenile delinquency and mental health problems. Dropping out of school seems to be a particularly common consequence. Research shows that, on average, about 25 percent of poorly accepted children drop out of school, compared to 8 percent of other children, according to the National Network for Child Care at Iowa State University.

When to Call the Doctor Parents may need to seek professional psychological help for children experiencing peer rejection, particularly if the child is depressed or exhibiting overly aggressive behavior. Help may also be needed for youth whose peer acceptance is related to shared negative behaviors such as criminal activity, gang membership, bullying, smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse. If the child is depressed, professional psychological help may also be needed. If the child discusses or threatens suicide, professional help should be sought immediately. KEY TERMS Clique – A close-knit group of friends who have similar interests and goals and are viewed as excluded by outsiders. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – A transmissible retrovirus that causes AIDS in humans. Two forms of HIV are recognized today: HIV-1, which causes most AIDS cases in Europe, North and South America and most of Africa; and HIV-2, found primarily in West African patients. HIV-2, discovered in 1986, appears to be less virulent than HIV-1 and may also have a longer latency period. Primary Caregiver – A person responsible for the primary care and upbringing of a child.

resources

BOOKS Auer, Jim and R. W. Alley. Standing Up to Peer Pressure: A Guide to Staying True to You. St Louis, MO: Abbey Press, 2003. Cherniss, Hilary and Sara Jane Sluke. The complete idiot’s guide to surviving peer pressure for teens. New York: Alpha Books, 2001. Koubek, Christine Wickert. Friends, Cliques and Peer Pressure: Be true to yourself. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2002. Thompson, Michael, et al. Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding Children’s Social Life. New York: Ballantine, 2001.

MAGAZINES Bednar, Dell Elaine, and Terri D. Fisher. “Peer referencing in adolescent decision-making as a function of perceived parenting style.” “Adolescence 38, #152 (Winter 2003): 607–21. Peace, Joyce. “Peer Pressure Prompt Tobacco Use: Behavior Predictors Studyed.” Family Practice News 34, No. 12 (June 15, 2004): 66 MacReady, Norra, “Careful Questioning Can Uncover Drug Abuse (Peer Pressure is Powerful).” Pediatric News 36 , no. 1 (January 2002): 25. Mostow, Allison J., et al., “Modeling Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral Predictors of Peer Acceptance.” Child Development 73, no. 16 (November-December 2002): 1775 –87. Rafenstein, Mark. “How to Combat Negative Peer Pressure.” Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader Publication 29, no. 1 (September 2002): 29-31 Stone, Alan A. “Loss of Innocence: Sex, Drugs, and Peer Group Pressure in Middle School.” Psychiatric Times (January 1, 2004): 28.

ORGANIZATIONS National Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 3615 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016. Website: http://www.aacap.org. National Childcare Network. Iowa State University Extension, 1094 LeBaron Hall, Ames, IA 50001. Website: http://www.nncc.org.

WEBSITES “Dealing with Peer Pressure.” KidsHealth March 2001. Available online at http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/friend/peer_pressure.html (accessed 13 October 2004). “Peer Influence and Peer Relations.” Focus Adolescent Services 2004. Available online at http://www.focusas.com/Issues/PeerInfluence.html (accessed 13 October 2004).

Ken R Wells

It’s normal for young people to worry about fitting in. Peer groups play an important role in young people’s lives, especially during puberty. “Peer pressure” refers to the influence these groups can have on a person’s thoughts and actions. You can often find out who your child’s peers are by noticing who they are talking to and who they are talking about. It is an important parent’s job to help your child recognize peer pressure in teenagers, when it helps and hinders them, and how to develop their own individuality.

This can help if:

Your child is behaving atypically

Your child worries about missing out or not belonging

You are concerned about the influence of your child’s friends

Your child tends to always copy others and be a bit of a follower or easily influenced.

How peer pressure works

A young person may experience peer pressure to varying degrees. Sometimes their peers can proactively influence them to behave in certain ways, and other times they can just go along with it. Both situations are based on seeking approval, but it’s also possible that peer pressure is the result of bullying. This is when your child fears being teased or physically hurt for not conforming.

Who are my child’s peers?

Your child’s peers are the ones they admire and for whom they play an important role in their lives. Depending on your child’s lifestyle, they can be in several different age groups. They usually come from places where your child spends their time – at school, in sports or hobby groups, and in the neighborhood. As your child uses the internet, their peers can also involve people they meet online through forums and social media platforms.

How Does Peer Pressure Affect Adolescents?

You may associate peer pressure with negative outcomes, e.g. B. if your child tries alcohol, smoking or drugs. However, peer pressure can also lead to certain groups having positive influences on your child. There is no way to know exactly how your child will be affected. Peer pressure can affect every area of ​​your child’s life, from tastes in music to choices in school subjects.

The positive effects of peer pressure include:

a sense of belonging and support

increased self-confidence

Introduction to positive hobbies and interests

Reinforce positive habits and attitudes.

The negative effects of peer pressure include:

Pressure to use alcohol, cigarettes or drugs

Pressure to engage in risk-taking behavior

distraction from schoolwork

Distance between family and existing friends

drastic changes in behavior and attitudes.

Self-esteem and mental health issues

It’s important to remember that peer influence and pressure is a normal part of adolescence. As your child moves away from the parent-child relationship and seeks their own independence and identity, their peers become more important to them. However, if you’re concerned about the effects peer pressure is having on your child and think it’s negatively impacting their life, there are things you can try to support them.

31 causes, effects and solutions to peer pressure

“Peer pressure plays a big part in wanting to get married.”

Adam Levine, musician

Peer pressure: causes, effects and solutions

Peer pressure (sometimes referred to as social pressure) is the effect on individuals whose attitudes, beliefs, or values ​​are changed by their peers to conform to those of the influential group.

Peer pressure is common among teenagers as they are often easily influenced and not yet stable in their beliefs.

This article examines the causes, effects, and approaches to solving peer pressure.

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Causes of peer pressure

Weak Personality Fear of Rejection Social Acceptance Avoiding Bullying Improving Coolness People Wanting to Be Liked Hormonal Reasons Poor Upbringing Religion Cultural Values ​​Personal Confusion Mental Health Problems

weak personality

Peer pressure is very effective on people who have not yet developed a stable personality.

The weaker the personality, the easier it is for groups to influence individuals to behave in certain ways.

Because character and personality take time to develop and grow, teenagers and young adults are at greater risk of being affected by peer pressure than older people with more life experiences.

So the weaker the personality, the higher the likelihood that people will be affected by peer pressure.

fear of rejection

Many people in our society are also quite afraid of rejection and therefore afraid of having their own opinion.

When this fear of rejection is too strong, it can cause the individual to give up all of their values ​​and beliefs, only to conform to a group’s attitudes and value systems.

Thus, this fear of rejection is a strong reason for pack behavior and the development of peer pressure.

social acceptance

Some people also feel the need to fit into our society and our shared cultural and sociological value system in order to be socially accepted.

However, in order to adapt, individuals must also give up many of their own beliefs and characteristics.

People who are desperate to conform are easy targets for peer pressure, and certain groups of people who understand this can take advantage of those people and use them to achieve their goals.

Avoidance of bullying

Even people who have not yet developed a strong character are often victims of bullying at school.

To get out of all this, people who fear being bullied may join groups or gangs where they feel safe and secure.

However, by joining these gangs, the peer pressure to do certain things or, in extreme cases, to commit certain crimes can be quite strong, which can lead to several other problems such as: B. going to jail.

Coolness improvements

Especially with teenagers or young adults, coolness is a very important factor and these age groups are often very concerned about it.

Therefore, in order to become cool, teenagers are often willing to change their outfits, change their value systems, and also hang out with criminal people to improve their coolness, impress others, and boost their social status at school.

people want to be liked

As humans, we generally want to be liked and appreciated.

However, this is a great weakness that could be exploited by people who are aware of this weakness in human nature.

If you do anything to be liked, you have to give up a lot of who you are.

In turn, you may become too weak to refuse things out of pure peer pressure, and you may commit crimes or other things you don’t really want to be a part of.

As such, the need for validation can leave people quite vulnerable to peer pressure and the negative effects that come with it.

hormonal reasons

Especially in teenagers, peer pressure can also lead to hormonal problems.

Teenage endocrine systems are quite complex and hormone levels change fairly frequently.

So this makes teenagers quite vulnerable to peer pressure, as their hormones can weaken their ability to properly judge certain actions.

Bad Education

Parents have a great influence on the intellectual development of their children.

If parents instill self-esteem in their children from an early age, there is a chance that these children will be less prone to peer pressure as they may have developed a strong character to value their own opinion more than the opinion of others.

However, if you have parents who don’t care too much about you, chances are you suffer from low self-esteem, which can make you very vulnerable to peer pressure and its consequences.

religion

Religion can also play a significant role in relation to peer pressure.

If you grow up in a household where religion is very important, you may feel obligated to adhere to those religious beliefs even if you don’t believe in those things at all.

Therefore religion can take away your ability to form your own beliefs as the peer pressure around you might just be too strong.

cultural values

Similar to religious beliefs, cultural values ​​can also be a major cause for the development of peer pressure.

If you live in a fairly conservative environment, and there may be strict cultural rules that everyone must abide by from an early age, chances are peer pressure and unconscious manipulation are coercing you into certain actions.

personal confusion

Some people, especially when they are young, can also get quite confused and feel lost in life.

This personal confusion can also make these people very vulnerable to peer pressure, as these people may be desperate for people to support them and may eventually end up in gangs or other groups that use peer pressure to control what is going on.

Mental problems

Mental health problems can also make people vulnerable to peer pressure.

When people suffer from mental health problems, they can be easily influenced and, due to peer pressure, these people may commit acts or crimes that they would not otherwise have committed.

Effects of Peer Pressure

Changes in school performance Changes in attitudes Changes in appearance Changes in school attendance Changes in political ideology Bullying Anorexia Radical activities Drug use Accidents

performance changes in school

Peer pressure can have a significant impact on the change in grades in school.

For example, if you start hanging out with people who don’t even care about their grades, chances are your own grades will suffer as a result.

Additionally, if you engage in illegal activities due to peer pressure, you may not even find time to do your homework properly.

Therefore, significant changes in school performance can be an indicator of peer pressure and should alert parents.

changes in attitude

Peer pressure also leads to serious changes in the attitudes of those affected.

For example, hanging out with people who have a very different view of life can also change your worldview over time, from initially conservative to alternative beliefs.

So peer pressure can significantly change the way people look at life.

Changes in visual appearance

Teens affected by peer pressure can also drastically change their outward appearance.

This can be changes in hair color or piercings or tattoos.

Depending on the visual change, parents should care more or less about it.

At the very least, parents should pay close attention to changes in their children’s visual appearance to recognize early warning signs and act accordingly.

changes in school attendance

When teenagers hang out with people who don’t care about school at all, hate their teachers, and don’t care about their future, chances are they won’t be able to attend school regularly either.

Peer pressure can also lead to a decline in school attendance, which can later lead to a lack of education and poor job opportunities.

Changes in political ideology

Some people affected by peer pressure may also suffer from shifts in political ideologies.

For example, teens who used to be fairly tolerant of minorities may now hold extreme political beliefs due to peer pressure from friends or other people who influence them.

Peer pressure can therefore also lead to political risks.

bullying

Peer pressure can also lead to bullying in schools.

Especially in schools where many minorities live, there is a chance that some minorities will be bullied.

Peer pressure can exacerbate the problem, as children may have to decide whether they are the bully or whether they want to risk being bullied.

For fear of being bullied themselves, children may bully others due to peer pressure.

anorexia

Anorexia, especially among girls, is a serious problem that is exacerbated by peer pressure.

If you hang out with girls who care about their physical appearance and who are all constantly on a diet, chances are you’ll lose too much weight and develop eating disorders that can lead to serious anorexia.

In return, you can suffer from severe physical and mental impairments, which in the worst case can even lead to death.

radical activities

Because of peer pressure, some people can also become radicalized.

For example, if you hang out with people who are on the far left or far right of the political spectrum, chances are you’re also shifting in a radical direction.

The same applies to religious radicalization.

At worst, this type of peer pressure can lead you to engage in politically or religiously motivated illegal activities.

drug consumption

Drug use is particularly common among teenagers.

However, while drug use may be fun at first, it can lead to drug addiction and the problems that come with it.

For example, if you hang out with people who use drugs, chances are you’ll try it yourself.

If you like it too much, you can become addicted to drugs and have a pretty rough time later in your life.

accidents

There may also be some peer pressure related accidents.

For example, there are reports of people boarding trains, climbing buildings, and doing other crazy things to attract attention and impress those around them.

However, some of these people may die due to accidents related to their crazy actions.

In the worst case, peer pressure can lead to the death of many people.

Solutions to deal with peer pressure

School classes to explore this topic Parents should strengthen children’s self-esteem Increased tolerance in our society Changes in our value systems Parents should monitor changes in their children’s behavior Parents should monitor ideological changes Help children find their passion Educate children about the consequences of drug use Learn know your children’s friends

school classes on this topic

To mitigate the adverse effects of peer pressure, schools should educate schoolchildren about peer pressure and how it might affect their current and future lives.

Through this upbringing, children can be better prepared to abandon peer pressure and instead act according to their own value systems.

Parents should strengthen children’s self-esteem

It’s also crucial for parents to build self-esteem in their children so they don’t become overly dependent on others for validation.

When children have enough self-esteem and know what they want and don’t want, they are less likely to engage in criminal activities due to peer pressure.

Increasing tolerance in our society

It is also crucial that we increase the general level of tolerance in our society.

This can reduce the negative impact of peer pressure, as more groups of people can be more tolerant of others, and could reduce crime associated with intolerance to some extent.

Changes in our value systems

We should also change our values ​​in a direction in which ideologies and religions no longer determine our actions in extreme ways.

That doesn’t mean eliminating religious beliefs, it means we shouldn’t tolerate extremist behavior that claims religion as an excuse for horrific attacks.

By changing our value systems, children and teenagers are less likely to engage in religious attacks due to peer pressure.

Parents should monitor changes in their children’s behavior

To combat the negative effects of peer pressure, it is also crucial that parents monitor their children’s behavior and closely monitor behavior changes.

These changes may indicate that children are affected by peer pressure. In such a case, parents should talk to their children to find out what’s going on and take action before things can get out of hand.

Parents should pay attention to ideological changes

The same applies to ideological changes.

As a parent, if you see a radical shift in your child’s ideology, you should find out what’s going on.

Often your child hangs out with fake friends who belong to extremist organizations.

By talking to your child and clarifying that radical ideologies are based on flawed arguments, you may be able to prevent your child from continuing to hang out with these radical people.

Help kids find their passion

Another effective way to protect your kids from the negative effects of peer pressure is to help them find their passion.

When children have hobbies that are very important to them, they are less likely to hang out with friends who use drugs or do other things that could cause too much trouble.

Educate children about the consequences of drug use

In many countries on our planet there is still far too little education about drug use and abuse and the associated consequences.

Therefore, it is important that you, as a parent, educate your child about why it can be dangerous to use drugs.

This way, your child will be less likely to use or deal drugs due to peer pressure.

Get to know your children’s friends

Getting to know the friends your child hangs out with can also be very useful.

Very often it is possible to discern people’s intent and attitude simply by talking to them for a while.

By getting to know your child’s friends, you may be able to determine if those friends can cause serious problems for your own children.

Conclusion

Peer pressure is rampant in our society. Peer pressure can pose a significant risk, especially for adolescents and young adults, as it is associated with several disadvantageous consequences.

Parents should therefore take a close look at how peer pressure can affect their children’s behavior so that they can take appropriate measures in good time if necessary.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_pressure

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/peer-pressure.html

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peer%20pressure

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Share on Pinterest Santi Nuñez/Stocksy United If you have children approaching their teenage years, you’ve probably thought at least a few times about the kind of peer pressure they might be experiencing. What if a friend or classmate convinces you to drink, skip school, or text and drive? But peer influence can also be positive. Teenagers seek advice from friends and other members of their peer group. A good example from a friend can go a long way. Adolescents can encourage positive choices and attitudes in their peer groups simply by demonstrating these behaviors themselves. Positive peer pressure often involves more encouragement and support than actual pressure or persuasion. Read on for specific examples, benefits of positive peer pressure, and tips for fostering positive influences.

Examples of Positive Peer Pressure The following examples highlight some of the ways in which peers can positively influence each other. Forming a Study Group Your child and their friends talk about their biology class fairly regularly. You learned it’s their toughest class. There’s a lot of stuff to cover and her teacher gives hard pop quizzes every week. One day she is heard talking about her last test. “What’s the point of biology?” one of them groans. “We always get so much homework. I will not become a doctor. Why bother?” “I find it interesting,” says another. “But it’s a lot of homework. It takes forever.” “Why don’t we just do it together while we hang out? Collaboration will be easier and we can review our answers to make sure we’re ready for testing.” Everyone agrees that sounds like a great idea. Putting an End to the Gossip You are driving your child and their friend to another friend’s house when you hear something worrying. “Carter looked grosser than usual today,” your 13-year-old says, turning to look at his friend. “What’s the matter with him lately? His clothes are always a mess and he stinks like hell.” You’re about to say something harsh to your child about not judging others when his friend says, “That’s mean. Maybe it’s not his fault. What if their shower is broken or they don’t have a washing machine?” Your child sits back chastened and you can almost see their brain working as they imagine doing without a shower or washing machine. “You’re right,” they say after a minute. “Maybe we should ask him tomorrow if he’s okay. Not in an obvious way. But just say hello and ask how he’s doing.” Trying New Things Your child has wanted to contribute to the school paper since he started middle school, but so far his shyness has prevented him from actually attending a meeting. They just entered eighth grade, so this year is their last chance to participate. One day you get a text: “Can you pick me up at 5? I’m going to the Journalism Club to miss the bus!!’ On the way home they tell you how they got there. “My lab partner in science said she was thinking about joining the paper. I said I was afraid to go to the meeting alone and she said we should just join forces. Knowing them already, I wasn’t too nervous.” They agree that it’s often easier to try something new when you take a friend with you. In adults Yes, adults can also put themselves under positive pressure. Suppose you are at a friend’s birthday party. You need to get home before it’s too late and don’t want to risk drinking, so when your friend’s partner asks if you’d like a drink, you ask for water. “What, are you off the hook?” “No, I just have to go soon, so I’ll play it safe.” “I have to drive later too. A glass of wine isn’t going to get you across the border.” (Note: it might actually be.) “Maybe not, but I don’t like driving with alcohol in my system,” you explain. “Even if I can drive, I feel maybe still foggy you know? I’m thinking about falling or hitting someone and it’s just not worth it.” They shrug. “I guess.” But after they hand you a can of mineral water, you notice they put down their own drink and don’t pick it up again.

The Effects Of course, positive influence like this is a good thing, but it can have particularly beneficial effects on older children. Even if you and your child have a close relationship, you may find that they withdraw from you and, as they mature, turn to their friends for advice and support. It can sting a bit, but it’s absolutely normal. Children begin to turn more to their peers for guidance during their pre-teen and early teen years. In general, young people in this age group are particularly vulnerable to peer influence. It’s natural for your child to want to match friends and classmates. Because of this, positive peer influence can have many benefits. Teens are more likely to make positive decisions for themselves when they see classmates doing things like participating in sports and clubs

speak out against bullying or gossip

help others

Volunteering or a part-time job Your child may already be prone to these behaviors, but when they see their peers making the same choices, they won’t worry about looking “boring” or “uncool.” Peer influence can also have more subtle effects. If your child’s friends enjoy school and show an interest in keeping up their grades, your child may make similar efforts.

Potential Drawbacks The only catch with positive peer pressure? It can result in your child being pressured into doing something they don’t want to do, even if it appears healthy on the surface. Perhaps your middle school boy’s friend convinces him to join the drama club, despite his strong fear of crowds and public speaking. Sure, they could end up happily painting sets or learning how to operate the lights backstage. But they might also dread club meetings and find excuses to get out of practice. Her anxiety could affect her overall mood and interest in school over time. Or maybe they’re starting to stay up all night trying to keep up with the other members of a study group they’ve joined. They rejoice that they care so much about their studies, but you also find that they give in under pressure and get frustrated with less than perfection.

How Peer Pressure Works Peer pressure, whether positive or negative, can be explicit (direct) or implicit (subtle): Explicit pressure arises when someone directly comments on a peer’s behavior or suggests that they behave in a certain way. For example: “We skip all math because Mr. X is such an idiot. Dig with us.”

happens when someone directly comments on a colleague’s behavior or suggests that they behave in a certain way. For example: “We skip all math because Mr. X is such an idiot. Dig with us.” Implicit pressure arises when someone changes their behavior to better fit with those around them. This unspoken influence often comes from popular trends. It can help to explain clothing choices that you find confusing, or your child’s desire to play a video game they’ve never shown any interest in. Peer influence is sometimes quite harmless. For example, having purple or green hair may not necessarily benefit your child, but it probably won’t harm them either. Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, can have far-reaching effects, be it explicit or implicit. Negative influence can take many forms: a friend offering alcohol or a joint

Peers skip meals and call themselves “fat”

Friends gossiping about classmates and encouraging others to join in

Tips for Encouraging Positive Peer Pressure So if your child always seems to want the opposite of what you suggest, how can you encourage them to at least look for positive influences when they’re out in the world? Talk to them There are always benefits to open communication. Your children usually appreciate what you have to say and want your approval, even if their actions suggest otherwise. Show your interest in them by asking questions about their values ​​and interests and listening to what they have to say. Remember that you can provide subtle guidance without telling them what to do: “I wonder what you could say to improve this situation.”

“How do you feel when your friends do things you don’t like?”

“When I’m trying to make a decision, I write down the pros and cons of both sides to get a better picture of how it might affect me. I wonder if that might help?” Avoiding blame or judgment can help your child feel more comfortable about speaking out to you about anything. Encourage rather than forbid As a parent, you probably want to be tough on certain behaviors, such as underage drinking or smoking. When it comes to other decisions, such as For example, swearing, adopting negative attitudes toward school, or playing video games for hours on end may get better results by encouraging positive behaviors rather than banning those you don’t favor. Then offer subtle encouragement by making it easier for your child to choose healthier behaviors: In hopes of improving their grades? When you see them learning, praise their efforts and offer support. For example, “If you want to invite your friends over to study, I’ll take your brother and sister out for a few hours after school and bring some snacks.”

Aiming to foster healthy friendships? Encourage them to spend time with friends who treat your child and other peers kindly. Lead by Example Showing your child how their behavior can guide others can give them more confidence when it comes to making positive decisions. However, their words can be of little value when they see you doing something else entirely. Perhaps you’ve talked to your child about how much gossip can hurt. What happens when one of your friends pops over to share news about another friend’s latest relationship drama? You can’t say anything negative, but just participating in the conversation can suggest to your child that gossiping must be okay if you do. Or maybe you emphasize the importance of making friends with similar values. Later you overhear a conversation you are having with a friend who is cheating on his partner. You don’t support this behavior, but you also don’t openly criticize them or ask them to clarify the affair. It’s important to consider whether this friendship reflects your values. How could you influence them positively and lead by example?

What is peer pressure?

Everyone has like-minded people. Peers can be your friends who are about your age and have similar interests and experiences. Peers can also include other children around your age who are involved in the same activities as you or are part of a community or group that you belong to. You may not consider all of your peers as friends, but they can all influence you.

Peer pressure can be positive or negative. When peer pressure is positive, it drives you to do your best. Negative peer pressure occurs when someone who is a friend or part of a group you belong to makes you feel like you have to do something to be accepted. It is the negative peer pressure that we usually think of when the term peer pressure is used. When you give in to negative peer pressure, you often feel guilty or disappointed in yourself for acting in a way that contradicts your beliefs or values.

Some examples of negative peer pressure include:

Having to dress or behave in a certain way.

Cheat or copy another person’s work, or allow others to copy your work.

Not involving certain people in social activities.

Taking dangerous risks when driving.

Use of drugs or alcohol.

shoplifting or theft.

Engage in sexual activity.

Engaging in bullying or cyberbullying.

Projecting a misleading/false image on social media.

Which strategies can help to deal with negative peer pressure?

Pay attention to how you are feeling. If something doesn’t feel right in a situation, it probably isn’t. Even if your friends seem okay with what’s going on, the situation may not be right for you.

plan ahead. Think about how you will react in different situations. Plan what you can say or do.

Talk to the person pressuring you, let them know how you feel about it, and tell the person to stop.

Have a secret code to communicate with parents. Something to say or write to your parents to let them know you need something in a situation. Parents can either call or text to say you are coming home or that they need to pick you up.

give an apology It should be okay to say “no” without having to apologize or provide an explanation. But it can make it easier to say no if you have a valid reason. You might say you have a medical reason, such as asthma or allergies, that makes it dangerous for you to take something. Or even say that your parents need you to come home when you feel it would be best to just let the situation all together.

Have friends with similar values ​​and beliefs. It’s easier to say “no” when someone else says it too. Saying “no” together makes it easier for both of you.

Get support from a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or school counselor. A trusted adult can listen to you and help you with strategies that might work in your situation.

resources

​​​​​​​Tips for dealing with peer pressure from Kids Health

abstract

The paper deals with the analysis of the positive effects that peer pressure can have on young people. At the same time, the negative effects of peer pressure are recognized. The influence of peer pressure on the development of teenagers in different dimensions is discussed. It notes that such negative habits as smoking, substance abuse, and careless driving can be moderated through the use of positive peer pressure. The paper also emphasizes the role of teachers and parents in shaping adolescents’ social interactions. With a carefully crafted approach, it is possible to turn peer pressure from a challenging issue into a positive phenomenon.

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introduction

Peer pressure can have a significant impact on almost every aspect of a teenager’s life. Peer pressure is commonly seen as a negative phenomenon, but it can also have many positive aspects. Peer pressure has the potential to help teenagers grow as individuals and form good habits. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the positive traits that peer pressure can reinforce, as well as to analyze the negative ones that should be eliminated.

Positive effects of peer pressure

Peer pressure as the state of being influenced by peers is a research focus that has both positive and negative implications. While scientists in the past mostly emphasized the negative effects of peer pressure, recent studies point to positive effects of such a social phenomenon. The most obvious impact of peer pressure is that it helps individuals analyze their habits and reflect on the way they live. Research shows that using peer pressure can alleviate serious health and behavioral problems. For example, Bilgiç and Günay (2018) report that peer education is an extremely effective approach to induce positive behavioral changes related to smoking among teenagers. Researchers find that peer education helps eliminate tobacco use among teenagers. Positive peer pressure was also reported by Goode, Balzarini, and Smith (2014), who found that it could reduce undergraduate drinking. Finally, Alinier and Verjee (2015) report that it is possible to promote driving safety through positive peer pressure. All of these studies show that following someone’s positive example can help young people change themselves for the better.

In addition, peer pressure has a significant positive effect on the education of young people. According to Baruah and Boruah (2016), teenagers’ brains show greater activity when they are being observed by their classmates. Seeing your peers achieve their goals has the potential to make you more persistent and goal-oriented. As Baruah and Boruah (2016) note, peer pressure can serve as “a powerful source of reinforcement” (p. 241). One of the ways to increase teens’ interest in academic improvement is to organize pair and group assignments that require them to interact and work together to get the best result. In addition, peer pressure can develop young people’s understanding of social relationships, teaching them to evaluate others’ ideas, compromise or refuse to accept some problems. Teenage emotional and social support is revealed through peer communication. Peer pressure can therefore also fulfill the function of reinforcing such communication.

Avoiding negative peer pressure

Despite several positive effects of peer pressure, there are also negative ones, such as: B. the increase in teenagers’ propensity for careless driving, involvement in criminal activities or negative health behaviors. However, with the carefully chosen strategies, it is possible to avoid such adverse consequences of peer pressure. Therefore, fostering adequate education and communication related to building healthy relationships for teenagers is essential. In this regard, there is a need to improve the quality of parent-teenager relationships and attachment to school (Zhu, Zhang, Yu, & Bao, 2015). A vulnerable group of youth are teenagers with disabilities, who need additional training in dealing with negative peer pressure (Khemka, Hickson, & Mallory, 2016). By creating positive relationships between teenagers, parents and schools, it is easier to avoid adverse effects.

Peer pressure can be both stimulating and discouraging in striving for better academic performance. As Bursztyn, Egorov, and Jensen (2019) report, identity formation in adolescents can trigger both positive and negative effects of peer pressure. The teacher must create an environment in which the students feel safe and are not inclined to give up because of the ridicule of their peers. Korir and Kipkemboi (2014) also emphasize the role of the teacher in creating a positive atmosphere under peer pressure. Finally, the role of the family in avoiding negative peer pressure should not be underestimated (Telzer, van Hoorn, Rogers, & Do, 2018). Parents should teach their children that their behavior affects others and that they should not be discouraged by the negative attitudes of others.

Conclusion

Peer pressure plays a crucial role in the development of young people’s values, habits, principles and behaviors. While peer pressure is widely viewed as a negative phenomenon, one cannot overestimate its positive attributes. Teachers and parents, who act as guidance counselors and behavior regulators, should help teenagers make the most of the effects of peer pressure on the development of positive traits.

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references

Alinier, G., & Verjee, M. (2015). Promoting a safe driving culture through positive peer pressure with courtesy. Journal of Local and Global Health Science, 2015(2), 18.

Baruah, P., & Boruah, B. (2016). Positive peer pressure and behavioral support. Indian Journal of Positive Psychology, 7(2), 241-243.

Bilgiç, N., & Günay, T. (2018). Assessing the effectiveness of peer education on smoking behavior among high school students. Saudi Medical Journal, 39(1), 74-80.

Bursztyn L, Egorov G, & Jensen R (2019). Cool to be smart or smart to be cool? Understanding peer pressure in education. The Review of Economic Studies, 86 (4), 1487-1526.

Goode, C., Balzarini, R.H., & Smith, H.J. (2014). Positive peer pressure: Prototypicity of priming members may reduce undergraduate alcohol consumption. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 44, 567–578.

Khemka, I., Hickson, L., & Mallory, S.B. (2016). Evaluation of a decision-making curriculum to teach youth with disabilities to resist negative peer pressure. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(7), 2372-2384.

Korir, D. & Kipkemboi, F. (2014). The effects of school environment and peer influences on student academic achievement in Vihiga County, Kenya. International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(1), 240–251.

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Telzer, E.H., van Hoorn, J., Rogers, C.R., & Do, KT. (2018). Social influence on positive youth development: A developmental neuroscientific perspective. Advances in Child Development and Behavior, 54, 215–258.

Zhu J, Zhang W, Yu C, & Bao Z (2015). Internet gaming addiction in early adolescence in context: how parents, school, and peers affect adolescence. Computers in Human Behavior, 50, 159–168.

As parents, we educate our children and provide them with guidance and support. However, as they get older, they rely less on us to calm them down and seek their friends’ approval. From clothing choices, music, interests, and even language patterns, teenagers are influenced by their peers. Also known as peer pressure, it’s not uncommon for teens to participate in activities to feel like they belong. However, when teens engage in drug or alcohol abuse, sexual activity, bullying, or theft, it is viewed as negative peer pressure. And when the pressure to belong is causing teens to engage in harmful or disadvantageous behavior, it’s time to step in and seek mental health treatment.

At Destination for Teens, we understand how damaging peer pressure can be and the negative role it can have on any teen’s mental health. Call today to learn more about how our team of mental health professionals can help your teen by calling 877.466.0620.

Here are some tips on how to help your teen deal with negative peer pressure.

Teach your kids to listen to their gut instincts

One of the most remarkable ways to help your teen avoid negative peer pressure is to teach them to think independently. Children should know early on that they don’t have to please everyone – neither adults nor children. When children learn to please themselves first and please others second, they are less likely to engage in negative behavior. Additionally, when children are independent thinkers, they can also listen to their gut and follow their intuition compared to the whims of other teenagers.

Independent thinkers don’t worry about conflict when others like them – they are confident.

Look for positive relationships

Very often adolescents are influenced by the behavior and decisions of other young adults. Peers who encourage your teen to engage in harmful behavior may seem funny and happy, but they are not. Instead, these peers are dangerous. As a parent, you can encourage your teen to seek positive relationships with others who respect them and don’t put unfair pressure on them. Remind your teen that a good friend will never force you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Good friends are the ones who make you feel valued and who are nonjudgmental.

The Best Way to Help Your Teen Identify Positive Relationships? By introducing them to favorable environments. Encourage your teen to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports teams or civic organizations, run by adults who care about the well-being of young adults.

Avoid peer pressure by learning effective exit strategies

Peer pressure can be challenging—after all, teens interact with their peers in person and on social media. However, we can teach teenagers to deal with uncomfortable situations. By sharing exit strategies with our teenagers, they will be able to avoid pressure-related issues.

You can create scenarios with your teen so he can anticipate how he may respond to negative peer pressure. By sharing with your teen how to respond to their peers, you are teaching them to protect themselves and set clear boundaries. Remember: Your teen needs to be an independent, confident thinker. You can only become that person if you are not passive.

Know your teenager’s friends and their families

Do you know your teenager’s friends? What about their families? Invite your teen’s friends and family to events. Talk to other parents at school events. While friends can influence our teens, their families can model behaviors that can be positive or negative. And as parents, it’s our responsibility to know our children’s friends and their influences.

By getting to know your teen’s friends and their families, you will be able to identify influential people in your child’s life. And you have the opportunity to help them identify harmful relationships and foster positive friendships.

Talk to your teen about peer pressure

We were all teenagers and we know the consequences of participating in certain activities. Share your experiences with your teenager. This is a win-win situation for you as a parent because sharing makes you human. First, your teen will know that you are not perfect and had lessons to learn in your life. Second, sharing your story will help them see the power of an independent thinker, always poised for an exit strategy.

Being a teenager is not easy. And being a parent to a teenager is probably even more complex: there’s a fine line between sharing information and being prejudiced. So take every opportunity to share your life with your teenager to learn from you.

Help your teen deal with peer pressure

Avoiding peer pressure is not always easy for young people. It’s important to educate your teen about the reality of peer pressure. And more importantly, helping them learn strategies to recognize and break out of negative peer pressure. If you’re struggling to come up with strategies to help your teen stand up strong in the face of peer pressure, we’re here to help. The following programs can help teens deal with peer pressure:

To learn more about our treatment services, contact the caring, compassionate adults at Destinations for Teens today at 877.466.0620.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2779518/

Share on Pinterest Santi Nuñez/Stocksy United If you have children approaching their teenage years, you’ve probably thought at least a few times about the kind of peer pressure they might be experiencing. What if a friend or classmate convinces you to drink, skip school, or text and drive? But peer influence can also be positive. Teenagers seek advice from friends and other members of their peer group. A good example from a friend can go a long way. Adolescents can encourage positive choices and attitudes in their peer groups simply by demonstrating these behaviors themselves. Positive peer pressure often involves more encouragement and support than actual pressure or persuasion. Read on for specific examples, benefits of positive peer pressure, and tips for fostering positive influences.

Examples of Positive Peer Pressure The following examples highlight some of the ways in which peers can positively influence each other. Forming a Study Group Your child and their friends talk about their biology class fairly regularly. You learned it’s their toughest class. There’s a lot of stuff to cover and her teacher gives hard pop quizzes every week. One day she is heard talking about her last test. “What’s the point of biology?” one of them groans. “We always get so much homework. I will not become a doctor. Why bother?” “I find it interesting,” says another. “But it’s a lot of homework. It takes forever.” “Why don’t we just do it together while we hang out? Collaboration will be easier and we can review our answers to make sure we’re ready for testing.” Everyone agrees that sounds like a great idea. Putting an End to the Gossip You are driving your child and their friend to another friend’s house when you hear something worrying. “Carter looked grosser than usual today,” your 13-year-old says, turning to look at his friend. “What’s the matter with him lately? His clothes are always a mess and he stinks like hell.” You’re about to say something harsh to your child about not judging others when his friend says, “That’s mean. Maybe it’s not his fault. What if their shower is broken or they don’t have a washing machine?” Your child sits back chastened and you can almost see their brain working as they imagine doing without a shower or washing machine. “You’re right,” they say after a minute. “Maybe we should ask him tomorrow if he’s okay. Not in an obvious way. But just say hello and ask how he’s doing.” Trying New Things Your child has wanted to contribute to the school paper since he started middle school, but so far his shyness has prevented him from actually attending a meeting. They just entered eighth grade, so this year is their last chance to participate. One day you get a text: “Can you pick me up at 5? I’m going to the Journalism Club to miss the bus!!’ On the way home they tell you how they got there. “My lab partner in science said she was thinking about joining the paper. I said I was afraid to go to the meeting alone and she said we should just join forces. Knowing them already, I wasn’t too nervous.” They agree that it’s often easier to try something new when you take a friend with you. In adults Yes, adults can also put themselves under positive pressure. Suppose you are at a friend’s birthday party. You need to get home before it’s too late and don’t want to risk drinking, so when your friend’s partner asks if you’d like a drink, you ask for water. “What, are you off the hook?” “No, I just have to go soon, so I’ll play it safe.” “I have to drive later too. A glass of wine isn’t going to get you across the border.” (Note: it might actually be.) “Maybe not, but I don’t like driving with alcohol in my system,” you explain. “Even if I can drive, I feel maybe still foggy you know? I’m thinking about falling or hitting someone and it’s just not worth it.” They shrug. “I guess.” But after they hand you a can of mineral water, you notice they put down their own drink and don’t pick it up again.

The Effects Of course, positive influence like this is a good thing, but it can have particularly beneficial effects on older children. Even if you and your child have a close relationship, you may find that they withdraw from you and, as they mature, turn to their friends for advice and support. It can sting a bit, but it’s absolutely normal. Children begin to turn more to their peers for guidance during their pre-teen and early teen years. In general, young people in this age group are particularly vulnerable to peer influence. It’s natural for your child to want to match friends and classmates. Because of this, positive peer influence can have many benefits. Teens are more likely to make positive decisions for themselves when they see classmates doing things like participating in sports and clubs

speak out against bullying or gossip

help others

Volunteering or a part-time job Your child may already be prone to these behaviors, but when they see their peers making the same choices, they won’t worry about looking “boring” or “uncool.” Peer influence can also have more subtle effects. If your child’s friends enjoy school and show an interest in keeping up their grades, your child may make similar efforts.

Potential Drawbacks The only catch with positive peer pressure? It can result in your child being pressured into doing something they don’t want to do, even if it appears healthy on the surface. Perhaps your middle school boy’s friend convinces him to join the drama club, despite his strong fear of crowds and public speaking. Sure, they could end up happily painting sets or learning how to operate the lights backstage. But they might also dread club meetings and find excuses to get out of practice. Her anxiety could affect her overall mood and interest in school over time. Or maybe they’re starting to stay up all night trying to keep up with the other members of a study group they’ve joined. They rejoice that they care so much about their studies, but you also find that they give in under pressure and get frustrated with less than perfection.

How Peer Pressure Works Peer pressure, whether positive or negative, can be explicit (direct) or implicit (subtle): Explicit pressure arises when someone directly comments on a peer’s behavior or suggests that they behave in a certain way. For example: “We skip all math because Mr. X is such an idiot. Dig with us.”

happens when someone directly comments on a colleague’s behavior or suggests that they behave in a certain way. For example: “We skip all math because Mr. X is such an idiot. Dig with us.” Implicit pressure arises when someone changes their behavior to better fit with those around them. This unspoken influence often comes from popular trends. It can help to explain clothing choices that you find confusing, or your child’s desire to play a video game they’ve never shown any interest in. Peer influence is sometimes quite harmless. For example, having purple or green hair may not necessarily benefit your child, but it probably won’t harm them either. Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, can have far-reaching effects, be it explicit or implicit. Negative influence can take many forms: a friend offering alcohol or a joint

Peers skip meals and call themselves “fat”

Friends gossiping about classmates and encouraging others to join in

Tips for Encouraging Positive Peer Pressure So if your child always seems to want the opposite of what you suggest, how can you encourage them to at least look for positive influences when they’re out in the world? Talk to them There are always benefits to open communication. Your children usually appreciate what you have to say and want your approval, even if their actions suggest otherwise. Show your interest in them by asking questions about their values ​​and interests and listening to what they have to say. Remember that you can provide subtle guidance without telling them what to do: “I wonder what you could say to improve this situation.”

“How do you feel when your friends do things you don’t like?”

“When I’m trying to make a decision, I write down the pros and cons of both sides to get a better picture of how it might affect me. I wonder if that might help?” Avoiding blame or judgment can help your child feel more comfortable about speaking out to you about anything. Encourage rather than forbid As a parent, you probably want to be tough on certain behaviors, such as underage drinking or smoking. When it comes to other decisions, such as For example, swearing, adopting negative attitudes toward school, or playing video games for hours on end may get better results by encouraging positive behaviors rather than banning those you don’t favor. Then offer subtle encouragement by making it easier for your child to choose healthier behaviors: In hopes of improving their grades? When you see them learning, praise their efforts and offer support. For example, “If you want to invite your friends over to study, I’ll take your brother and sister out for a few hours after school and bring some snacks.”

Aiming to foster healthy friendships? Encourage them to spend time with friends who treat your child and other peers kindly. Lead by Example Showing your child how their behavior can guide others can give them more confidence when it comes to making positive decisions. However, their words can be of little value when they see you doing something else entirely. Perhaps you’ve talked to your child about how much gossip can hurt. What happens when one of your friends pops over to share news about another friend’s latest relationship drama? You can’t say anything negative, but just participating in the conversation can suggest to your child that gossiping must be okay if you do. Or maybe you emphasize the importance of making friends with similar values. Later you overhear a conversation you are having with a friend who is cheating on his partner. You don’t support this behavior, but you also don’t openly criticize them or ask them to clarify the affair. It’s important to consider whether this friendship reflects your values. How could you influence them positively and lead by example?

Peer pressure Photo by: gwimages

Definition Peer pressure is the influence of a social group on an individual.

Description Children and teenagers feel social pressure to conform to the peer group they meet. This peer pressure can influence how children dress, the type of music they listen to and the behaviors they engage in, including risky behaviors such as drug, cigarette and alcohol use and sex. The intensity of peer pressure varies from situation to situation. Peer groups are usually groups of friends of the same age. Peer pressure can start in early childhood when children try to get other children to play the games they want. It generally increases during childhood and reaches its intensity in the years before and after adolescence. Almost all young people in middle and high school are often confronted with peer pressure on a daily basis. In this way, children and young people learn to come to terms with their peers and ultimately learn to become independent. Depending on the group trying to exert the influence, peer pressure can be negative or positive. Beginning in junior high, children spend more time with their friends and less time with their parents and family. Although some children remain solitary and do not belong to any group, most adolescents tend to be part of a small group of friends called a clique. Among children aged eleven to fourteen, the members of these cliques are most often same-sex. Children spend a lot of time with friends in their clique, interacting by going to the movies or the mall, making phone calls or chatting online using instant messaging. They know which kids belong to which cliques and who the loners are. Within the cliques, talking about the opposite sex is popular, as is arranging extracurricular activities. Children also usually belong to a crowd, i.e. a larger group of children from several cliques. While clique members are close friends, crowd members outside of a clique are casual acquaintances. Crowds are often large groups with common interests, such as athletes (jocks), children who enjoy going to school (preppies), children who lack good looks or social skills but have special intellectual interests (nerds), and drug users (drugs). Some children give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they fear other children will make fun of them if they don’t join the group. Others may join because they are curious to try something new that others are doing. The idea that “everyone does it” can lead some children to ignore their better judgment or common sense. Peer pressure can be extremely powerful and seductive. Experiments have shown how peer pressure can cause children to change their minds from behavior they are sure is acceptable to behavior that is unacceptable just because everyone else in their group is doing it. These studies have also shown that just having another peer join them is enough for individuals to stand up for what they think is right. This principle applies to adolescents of all ages in peer pressure situations, according to the online organization KidsHealth (http://www.kidshealth.org). Children and young people cannot always avoid negative peer pressure. It can continue to be a fact of life through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. Quoted from an article in the September 2002 issue of Current Health 2, A Weekly Reader Publication, the following are strategies young people can use to deal effectively with negative peer pressure: Avoid putting yourself in situations in which you feel feel uncomfortable. For example, if you don’t want to start smoking, stay away from areas where you know children smoke.

, stay away from areas where you know children smoke. Choose your friends wisely. When you hang out with people who share your values, chances are you’ll never be asked to do anything you don’t want to do.

Think about the consequences of being asked to do something you are unsure about. Stop for a moment and ask: Is this activity getting me in trouble? Will it harm my health?

Be true to yourself. Think about the reasons you are considering doing something you are uncomfortable with. Should it gain popularity? While there’s nothing wrong with being popular, there are right and wrong ways to achieve it. If you change your behavior just to fit a certain group, you are not being true to yourself.

Learn to say no. This may be the hardest thing in the world for many people, but it is an essential skill for successfully fending off negative peer pressure. There are many ways to say no, some subtle and others a little more “in your face”. Some examples are: “You see it your way. I see it my way.” “If you’re really a friend, back off.” “You must think I’m pretty stupid to fall for that.”

Infancy Peer pressure occurs in groups as early as two years of age, when children do things simply because other children do or tell them to. This can affect the child’s behavior, social and emotional development, eating habits, playtime, and sleeping habits.

Preschoolers will do anything to think and act like their friends, even though they know it may go against what their parents taught them. At the age of three and four, children begin to realize that there are different values, opinions and rules than those of their parents. They can demand to do things their parents don’t allow, such as B. watching TV beyond a certain time or time limit, eating junk food, and playing with toys that their parents do not consider appropriate, such as toys. B. Toy guns just because their friends do So. At this age, it’s normal for children to start challenging their parents, testing boundaries and rules to see how far they can bend or break them. Many pediatricians suggest that parents should stand firm, not overreact, and then move on. Peer pressure can have positive benefits for preschoolers, such as: B. taking a nap or eating vegetables when they see their friends doing it.

School Age From the ages of five to eight, children strive to please their friends, classmates, and playmates. Peer pressure can have a positive impact when friends encourage each other to do better at school, sports, and creative activities. For example, a child may try harder at soccer if they have a friend who plays well, or perhaps read more if a friend does. Peer pressure can also negatively impact children ages five to eight if a friend or friends encourage them to behave in ways that are not natural for the child. Many pediatricians and child psychologists say that instead of forbidding the child from hanging out with these friends, it’s best to make sure the child is aware of the consequences of unacceptable behavior. Focus on specific negative behaviors and explain why they are bad. Most children will not respond well if a parent or primary caregiver forbids them from seeing a friend or group of friends. The effects of peer pressure are usually evident in middle school and high school. As children grow into adolescents, peer preoccupation and the attraction of peer identification increases. Adolescents begin to experience rapid physical, emotional, and social changes, and they begin to question adult standards and the need for parental guidance. It’s reassuring for teenagers to turn to friends who understand and sympathize with them. Adolescents expand their relationships with their peers to take a central role in their lives, often replacing their parents and family as their primary source of counseling, socializing, and entertainment activities. The peer group is a source of affection, sympathy, understanding and experimentation. It is also a supportive environment to achieve the two most important developmental tasks of teenagers: finding answers to questions about their identity and discovering their autonomous selves, separate and independent from their parents. In adolescence, peer relationships play a particularly central role in young people’s lives. New types (opposite sex, romantic attachments) and levels (masses) of peer relationships emerge. Peers tend to replace the family as the focal point of a young person’s social contacts and leisure activities. Teenagers have multiple peer relationships and are confronted with multiple peer cultures that have remarkably different norms and value systems. The perception of many adults that peer pressure is a culture or a unified front of dangerous influence is incorrect. In most cases, peers reinforce family values, but they also have the potential to encourage problematic behavior. Although the negative influence of peers is overemphasized, more can be done to help teenagers experience family and peer groups as mutually constructive environments. The following are facts about the relationships between parents, adolescents and peers. During puberty, parents and adolescents move away from each other physically and psychologically. This normal distancing is reflected in a decrease in emotional closeness and warmth, an increase in conflict and disagreement between parents and adolescents, and an increase in the time adolescents spend with their peers. Unfortunately, this tendency is sometimes encouraged by parents who are emotionally unavailable to their teenage children.

Increasing family pressures, such as economic pressures or divorce, can lead teenagers to rely more on their peers for emotional support. By the high school years, most teenagers report feeling closer to friends than to their parents. Work-related stress, marital dissatisfaction, family separation through divorce, joining a stepfamily, reduced family income or increased expenses all lead to increased individual and family stress.

may cause teenagers to rely more on their peers for emotional support. By the high school years, most teenagers report feeling closer to friends than to their parents. Work-related stress, marital dissatisfaction, family separation through divorce, joining a stepfamily, reduced family income or increased expenses all lead to increased individual and family stress. In 10 to 20 percent of families, parents and young people live in a relationship crisis that is characterized by emotional coldness and frequent outbursts of anger and conflict. Unresolved conflicts lead to discouragement and withdrawal from family life. Adolescents in these families are at high risk for various psychological and behavioral problems.

Youth gangs, commonly associated with inner-city neighborhoods, are a recognizable peer group among youth in smaller towns, suburbs, and even rural areas. Gangs are particularly visible in communities with a significant proportion of economically disadvantaged families and when parents are conflicted, distant, or unavailable.

, commonly associated with inner-city neighborhoods, are a recognizable peer group among youth in smaller towns, suburbs and even rural areas. Gangs are particularly visible in communities with a significant proportion of economically disadvantaged families and when parents are conflicted, distant, or unavailable. Formal dating patterns of the 1980s were replaced by informal socialization patterns in mixed-gender groups in the early 2000s. This can encourage casual sexual relationships that increase the risk of exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Part-time employment among youth has increased, but this has had little impact on peer relationships. To find time for work, teenagers forego extracurricular activities, reduce time on homework, and withdraw from family interactions, but they protect the time they spend with friends.

Common Problems Negative peer pressure occurs when a child or young person’s friends or others their age try to persuade them to do something that is either harmful to their body or against the law. Examples include drinking alcohol, taking drugs, smoking cigarettes, cutting classes, vandalism, and theft. Although teenagers usually know when something is bad for them, they often choose to do so because they want to be liked, to fit in, to be accepted, or because they are afraid of being looked down on or made fun of. Bruce A. Epstein is quoted in “How to combat negative peer pressure” in the September 2002 issue of Current Health 2, A Weekly Reader Publication, as saying: “The desire to be accepted by one’s peers is perhaps the most powerful motivating factor during adolescence .” Many studies support his theory. One study, for example, showed that if a student knew the correct answer to a question, he gave the wrong answer simply because everyone else in the class gave the wrong answer. There are a variety of reasons why Children are disliked by their peers When trying to help these children it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking about what they are doing that is bothering others This only focuses on reducing these behavior problems but most rejected Children also lack important social skills, they may not cooperate or respond to others, or they may not know how to react in certain social situations. Teaching a child the skills they lack is often more effective in improving peer relationships than just working to reduce negative behavior.

Parental Concerns Peer rejection in childhood often creates serious emotional difficulties. Rejected children are often dissatisfied with themselves and with their relationships with other children. Many of these children experience strong feelings of loneliness and social dissatisfaction. Rejected children also report lower self-esteem and may be more depressed than other children. Rejection by peers is also an indication of later life problems, such as dropping out of school, juvenile delinquency and mental health problems. Dropping out of school seems to be a particularly common consequence. Research shows that, on average, about 25 percent of poorly accepted children drop out of school, compared to 8 percent of other children, according to the National Network for Child Care at Iowa State University.

When to Call the Doctor Parents may need to seek professional psychological help for children experiencing peer rejection, particularly if the child is depressed or exhibiting overly aggressive behavior. Help may also be needed for youth whose peer acceptance is related to shared negative behaviors such as criminal activity, gang membership, bullying, smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse. If the child is depressed, professional psychological help may also be needed. If the child discusses or threatens suicide, professional help should be sought immediately. KEY TERMS Clique – A close-knit group of friends who have similar interests and goals and are viewed as excluded by outsiders. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – A transmissible retrovirus that causes AIDS in humans. Two forms of HIV are recognized today: HIV-1, which causes most AIDS cases in Europe, North and South America and most of Africa; and HIV-2, found primarily in West African patients. HIV-2, discovered in 1986, appears to be less virulent than HIV-1 and may also have a longer latency period. Primary Caregiver – A person responsible for the primary care and upbringing of a child.

resources

BOOKS Auer, Jim and R. W. Alley. Standing Up to Peer Pressure: A Guide to Staying True to You. St Louis, MO: Abbey Press, 2003. Cherniss, Hilary and Sara Jane Sluke. The complete idiot’s guide to surviving peer pressure for teens. New York: Alpha Books, 2001. Koubek, Christine Wickert. Friends, Cliques and Peer Pressure: Be true to yourself. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2002. Thompson, Michael, et al. Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding Children’s Social Life. New York: Ballantine, 2001.

MAGAZINES Bednar, Dell Elaine, and Terri D. Fisher. “Peer referencing in adolescent decision-making as a function of perceived parenting style.” “Adolescence 38, #152 (Winter 2003): 607–21. Peace, Joyce. “Peer Pressure Prompt Tobacco Use: Behavior Predictors Studyed.” Family Practice News 34, No. 12 (June 15, 2004): 66 MacReady, Norra, “Careful Questioning Can Uncover Drug Abuse (Peer Pressure is Powerful).” Pediatric News 36 , no. 1 (January 2002): 25. Mostow, Allison J., et al., “Modeling Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral Predictors of Peer Acceptance.” Child Development 73, no. 16 (November-December 2002): 1775 –87. Rafenstein, Mark. “How to Combat Negative Peer Pressure.” Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader Publication 29, no. 1 (September 2002): 29-31 Stone, Alan A. “Loss of Innocence: Sex, Drugs, and Peer Group Pressure in Middle School.” Psychiatric Times (January 1, 2004): 28.

ORGANIZATIONS National Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 3615 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016. Website: http://www.aacap.org. National Childcare Network. Iowa State University Extension, 1094 LeBaron Hall, Ames, IA 50001. Website: http://www.nncc.org.

WEBSITES “Dealing with Peer Pressure.” KidsHealth March 2001. Available online at http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/friend/peer_pressure.html (accessed 13 October 2004). “Peer Influence and Peer Relations.” Focus Adolescent Services 2004. Available online at http://www.focusas.com/Issues/PeerInfluence.html (accessed 13 October 2004).

Ken R Wells

What is peer pressure?

People your age, like your classmates, are called peers. When they try to get you to behave a certain way or try to get you to do something, it’s called peer pressure.

You may want to be like your peers, even if they don’t put pressure on you. It is natural to want to belong.

It’s okay to like what your friends and classmates like or do what they do, as long as it feels right for you too. But best of all is being yourself – even if it means being different from those around you.

How do your peers affect you?

Peers influence each other simply by spending time together. You learn from them and they learn from you. It’s natural to listen and learn from other people your age.

Peers can influence you in many ways. For example, you could see what kids in your class are wearing, like, and wear something like that too. It goes both ways. Your co-workers might see what you’re doing and start doing it too.

Peers can influence each other positively. Perhaps a kid in your science class taught you an easy way to memorize the planets in the solar system. Perhaps you admire a friend who is a good sport and try to become more like him. Maybe you got others excited about your new favorite book and now everyone is reading it.

But peers can also influence each other in less than good ways. They might try to pressure you into doing something that you know is wrong. For example, what if some kids at school try to get you to skip class with them? What if your soccer teammate tries to convince you to be mean to another player and never pass the ball to them? What if a kid next door wants you to steal with them?

What would you do?

Would you give in and join the peer pressure? Or would you let go of peer pressure if you knew it wasn’t right?

Sometimes knowing the right thing is easier than doing it. If you think about it beforehand, you can be ready to do the right thing. And when you do the right thing, you can set a good example for others.

Why do some children give in to peer pressure?

Some children give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked or because they think it will help them fit in. Some worry that other children will annoy them if they don’t join the group. Others join because they are curious. Maybe they want to try something others are doing. They might join in if they think, “Everyone does it,” even though they know better.

How to say no to peer pressure

knowing what is right. Trust your own feelings about what is right and wrong. Ask yourself, “Is this the right thing to do?” You probably already know the answer. Knowing the right thing will help you stand firm.

Trust your own feelings about what is right and wrong. Ask yourself, “Is this the right thing to do?” You probably already know the answer. Knowing the right thing will help you stand firm. Have a friend to stand by you. It can really help to have at least one other colleague willing to say “no” as well. That takes a lot of strength out of peer pressure. It’s great to have friends who support you when you don’t want to do something.

It can really help to have at least one other colleague willing to say “no” as well. That takes a lot of strength out of peer pressure. It’s great to have friends who support you when you don’t want to do something. Choose good friends. Chances are parents or teachers have said before, “Choose your friends wisely.” Peer pressure is a big reason they say that. If you choose friends who don’t use drugs, don’t skip class, don’t smoke cigarettes, and don’t lie to their parents, then you probably won’t do those things either, even if other kids do.

Chances are parents or teachers have said before, “Choose your friends wisely.” Peer pressure is a big reason they say that. If you choose friends who don’t use drugs, don’t skip class, don’t smoke cigarettes, and don’t lie to their parents, then you probably won’t do those things either, even if other kids do. help a friend You may notice a friend having trouble saying “no” to peer pressure. You can help by saying, “I’m with you – let’s go.”

You may notice a friend having trouble saying “no” to peer pressure. You can help by saying, “I’m with you – let’s go.” Walk away. If you’re alone under peer pressure, there are still things you can do. You can stay away from peers who push you into doing things you know are wrong. You can tell them “no” and walk away. Better yet, find other friends and classmates to hang out with.

If you’re alone under peer pressure, there are still things you can do. You can stay away from peers who push you into doing things you know are wrong. You can tell them “no” and walk away. Better yet, find other friends and classmates to hang out with. Get advice from an adult. If you’re faced with peer pressure that’s difficult to deal with, seek advice from an adult you trust. Talk to a parent, teacher, or school counselor. It can help you feel a lot better. Plus, they can help you prepare for the next time you face peer pressure.

Positive peer pressure

Peer pressure isn’t always bad. For example, peers can pressure bullies to behave better around other children. When enough kids get together, peers can pressure each other to do the right thing!