PEER PRESSURE

The term “Peer” stands for persons of the same age and profession as that of the individual.  They could be his/her friends, colleagues, neighbors etc. the term pressure indicates influence or force.  Thus the term peer pressure indicates influence of people having similar interest on the individual’s belief, behaviour and attitudes. 

What is Peer Pressure?

Peer pressure is the pressure, stress or strain people feel from friends and classmates to act, behave, think and look a certain way. This kind of pressure can cover everything from fashion to sex and dating. Peer pressure can be either negative, where someone is coerced into doing something that they know is negative (e.g. drugs, smoking, or pressure to have sex) or positive – for example, a teen whose friends are all high achievers in school will feel pressure to also be successful. For the purpose of this article, we will be talking only about negative peer pressure.

Who is affected by Peer Pressure?

Anyone can be affected by peer pressure; however, teens with low-self esteem are most likely to fall victim to negative peer pressure.

Resist peer pressure when it’s having a negative impact

• The idea that “everyone’s doing it, so it must be cool” is not always true. Don’t go along if you are uncomfortable with the idea.
• Even though it’s tough to say “no” you can do it if you believe in yourself. Try it and see how good it makes you feel. Often, you will find others agreeing with you.
• It can really make things a lot easier if you have at least one other friend who is on your side.
• Make up your mind beforehand that certain things in life will always be a capital ‘NO’- like drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol, lying and stealing.
• Remember that the values that your parents taught you will make you stronger in handling peer pressure.
• Since it is rather difficult to always say 'No' to friends, try and choose likeminded people as friends.
• Refuse to let yourself down. If you can think of peer pressure as letting yourself down, it becomes easier to combat it. It will make you feel more confident and raise your own self-esteem.
• Think of yourself as a leader and act accordingly. Know where you stand on key issues like sex, drugs and alcohol.