The Negative Effects of Peer Pressure and How to Cope

 

The Negative Effects of Peer Pressure and How to Cope

You probably don’t like to admit it, but peer pressure affects us all in one way or another, whether we’re aware of it or not. Whether you’re dealing with your friends telling you that you should buy the newest tech gadget when you really can’t afford it, your friends pressuring you to try drugs at a party, or the pressure you feel from your parents when they tell you to get better grades or make more friends, peer pressure can have a big impact on your life.

What is peer pressure?

Most teenagers experience some kind of peer pressure at some point in their lives. At its core, peer pressure is nothing more than unwanted or unsolicited social pressure exerted on someone by a group, or peer group. Though it may not sound like a big deal, peer pressure can lead people to do things they normally wouldn't do. It's not always bad, but it can be when it causes you to compromise your values or morality. Unfortunately, it's all too easy for adolescents and teens to succumb to harmful influences at school or with friends. We've all heard phrases like everyone else is doing it, which is one reason why some kids are afraid to say no.

 In most cases, peer pressure is not a problem. At its core, it's nothing more than social influence, which we all experience in some way or another. In fact, it may not be a bad thing at all if it encourages healthy behaviors such as exercise and eating right. However, when peer pressure becomes negative or harmful - whether physically or psychologically - then it can lead to problems. For example, kids who smoke cigarettes may feel peer pressure from friends who do so too.

 While it's unlikely that you'll ever be able to avoid peer pressure entirely, there are ways to minimize its influence. First, you can take steps on your own to improve your self-esteem. This may sound cheesy or ridiculous, but it's true. If you like yourself better, you're less likely to cave in under pressure from others. It doesn't matter if others think highly of you or not; what matters is whether or not you respect yourself. Another good thing is that girls can help each other out with these issues! When they talk together they might realize that they have more in common than they thought - such as dealing with peer pressure together - so by relating with one another some problems might get solved pretty fast! The last tip is a clichéd one: Don't worry about what others think. Seriously, who cares? You shouldn't let anyone else dictate how you feel about yourself. Besides, if someone isn't willing to accept you for who you are then they aren't worth having around anyway.

While it may seem overwhelming at first, most teens eventually figure out how to deal with peer pressure. They usually do so through trial and error until they find something that works for them personally.

Why does it happen?

You hear your friends talking about a new, exciting trend. They all seem to be doing it, so you want to do it too. Peer pressure often manifests itself in teenage years when students are just beginning to explore their individuality and group identity, but peer pressure can pop up at any age or stage of life. The reason why people give into peer pressure is simple—it feels good. The more you feel like an outsider for making your own choices, then that can make you feel a sense of belonging with a new crowd. That feeling is usually short-lived because eventually you will have no one else around who shares your same interests. So instead of giving into your peers' pressures, here are some ways on how you can handle those situations

What are some of the benefits?

For many, being able to relate to others is one of life’s greatest pleasures. After all, who doesn’t enjoy spending time with someone you feel understood by? This phenomenon is commonly referred to as peer pressure. A society-wide phenomenon that is loosely defined by adults but well known among children, peer pressure can be good or bad depending on your situation. The key for individuals struggling with peer pressure is not always about avoiding it; sometimes it is about utilizing these forces for a good cause.

How do you cope?

The key thing to remember when dealing with peer pressure is that you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. In fact, sometimes it’s a good idea to avoid situations where peer pressure is likely to affect you. If your friends want you to drink alcohol, try saying no—and suggest an alternative activity. If they want you hang out at a party with them, offer another option like going for a walk or playing a game together. Don’t give in too easily!

 If you can’t avoid a situation where peer pressure is likely, have a plan. Think about what you will say or do when your friends suggest something you don’t want to do. Plan an excuse for why you aren’t doing it. If your friends are urging you to skip class with them, ask if they can bring you your homework so that you don’t fall behind in schoolwork.

 Don’t be mean or hurtful if your friends try to persuade you. You’re under no obligation to listen, so you can leave a situation if they don’t let up. Say something like, I don’t want to do that. I have something else I need to do. Let’s talk about it later. Most importantly, remember that it doesn't matter what everyone else is doing—it matters what you're doing! If your decision makes you feel good about yourself, then it's a great choice for you personally!

 If you do end up giving in to peer pressure, it’s OK. You can’t control what other people do, but you can control how you feel about it. Be kind and forgiving towards yourself when that happens, forgive your friends for pressuring you if that helps, too. It’s great if you stay strong in situations where peer pressure is common, but it’s not a big deal if it happens once or twice. Learning from your mistakes will help prepare you for next time!