Introduction: What is peer pressure?
Peer pressure involves the direct or indirect influence on peers and the feeling like you must do something because people around you want or expect you to. One’s beliefs and values are influenced; essentially, they’re encouraged to follow those of their peers to conform to certain behaviors, attitudes, or choices.
Peer pressure can be both positive and negative, but ultimately it comes from the desire to fit in, receive acceptance, and avoid rejection from those within the same age group or social circle.
Peer pressure takes place in a variety of different shapes and forms. An example of peer pressure could be influencing someone to engage in risky acts such as smoking or drinking. It can also take the form of a more subtle approach, such as persuading someone to dress a particular way or adopt specific social habits.
Finally, peer pressure doesn’t take place only during the teenage years, which is where it’s often associated, but can extend to occur at any age in different social contexts. Whether it be at work, university, or even amongst your adult friend group, peer pressure can happen at any time.
This article will explore the causes of peer pressure in teens and explore ways on how they can overcome it.
The causes of peer pressure:
There are several causes of peer pressure, such as…
The need to fit in: Youth is a time when people want to create and establish their own identity, as well as gain social acceptance within their peers. Therefore, many young people find themselves subscribing to the group’s norms and behaviors, regardless of whether they agree with them.
Low self-esteem: Youth is also a time when many peers struggle with low confidence and low self-esteem. Therefore, they look to their peers for validation and support during times of self-doubt and insecurity. Conforming to the behavior of the group gives them social acceptance.
Fear of rejection: The worst feeling a young person can experience is being excluded, ridiculed, and ostracized from the group. Therefore, to avoid such, teens are willing to go along with the behavior of the group, even if it makes them uncomfortable.
The need to feel safe: Teens seek the security of friends. Studies have shown that the more friends you have and the more time you spend with them, the happier you are. Therefore, teens are more likely to conform to the behavior of the social groups to ensure they have that security.
Tips for dealing with peer pressure
Make your own decisions:
Do whatever makes you feel happy and confident to ensure you’re sure of your decision. Don’t let anyone push you out of your comfort zone in a negative way; think about the consequences of your decisions before you act. Don’t base your decision on other people’s expectations or what you think it is they want you to do.
Know what’s right:
Trust your gut on what you know is right and wrong. Ask yourself, ‘Is this the right thing to do?’ That will tell you everything you need to know. When you know the right thing to do, you’re more likely to stand firm on it.
Set boundaries and be assertive when communicating your discomfort:
The most basic way to respond to peer pressure is by saying ‘no’ and stating what you are and aren’t comfortable with. That way, you’re saving yourself a lot of trouble in the future, as you’ve clearly communicated what you are and aren’t interested in. Set boundaries so others know your limits.
Choose positive friends:
Surround yourself with friends who accept you, like you for you, and won’t put you in uncomfortable situations to change. Don’t simply be friends based on who is ‘popular and cool’ but based on who cares about you and with whom you share common interests. If your friends don’t make bad decisions, you’ll be less likely to be influenced or even influence yourself.
Seek advice from a trusted adult:
Whether that be a parent, carer, guardian, teacher, counselor, or a close relative or friend, seek help and ask for advice if you’re feeling lost and confused. Peer pressure happens to every young person, but speaking to a trusted advisor means getting help from someone with experience who could put you in the right direction. Seek and ask before it’s too late.
Conclusion:
Peer pressure is something that people must go through in their adolescence. Whilst we all have that burning desire to fit in, it’s important to stay true and faithful to your morals and standards and not conform to the negative behavior of those around us.
