By Sam, Blog Ambassador
Have you been in a situation where you are pressured by your friends to do certain things? Well, as teens it is normal to experience peer pressure as we are in a stage in life where our behavior and mindset are easily affected by the people around us. Peer pressure is often seen as a negative term, but in reality it is not always a bad thing. Positive peer pressure can act as a motivation which is an essential part of one’s growth. In opposition, negative peer pressure can cause a huge influence and even ruin our future path.
You have probably heard of the disastrous consequences that negative peer pressure can cause, however do you know the positive outcomes of it？As mentioned in the introductory paragraph, peer pressure for a good cause can result in a motivation for one. It can help one to cross the barrier and achieve something much greater! For instance, being friends with someone that is committed to charity work can influence others to participate in these activities. We all know that teens listen to their peers much more than their own parents, therefore having good friends around you who have good influence, can improve yourself as a person.
Peer pressure is just like a double edged sword, it can be a good thing, but at the same time it can also be a bad thing. Teenagers are often curious about the things that their peers of the same age do, therefore they sometimes blindly follow them to fit in. They are scared and worry that the other kids might exclude them and make fun of them if they don’t go along with their friend group. The truth is, being yourself is the best thing to do, even if it means you have to be different from your peers. You don’t have to do what others like just to fit in!
At this age, it is okay to like what your friends and classmates like, as long as it feels right for you. You wouldn’t want to do something that you know is wrong right? For example, what if some friends in school try to pressure you to go to the supermarket to shoplift? What would you do? Here are some tips to not get yourself into negative peer pressure:
Say No to your peers confidently.
Trust yourself and identify what is right and what is wrong. Try to ask yourself ‘is this the right thing to do?’. This helps you to be sure of your decision and stand firm in your point.
Think ahead.
Ask yourself ‘what will happen if I did it?’, ‘will I be in trouble?’ Think of the consequences and what will happen if you follow your peers.
Get advice from your parents/teachers/social worker
Facing peer pressure is really tough, and not always easy to fix. Consult an adult that you trust might help you feel better and be more prepared about facing peer pressure next time.
Peer pressure can have a lot of impact on teenagers as they are experiencing a stage in life where they easily trust and follow the actions and behaviors of their peers. Although it can be hard to get through, positive peer pressure is always a valuable part of your growth. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your mindset clear and always stand firm. It is important to not let your peers negatively affect your emotions!