Peer Pressure: How Peers Influence Your Child
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Feeling like you need to lose weight in order to be part of the group or work out to fit in could lead to an eating disorder. Sometimes, peer pressure comes in the form of others telling you that you need to do something to be like everyone else in the group. They may put you down if you aren’t doing whatever the group is doing, calling you “chicken” or “weak.” But peer pressure isn’t always verbal. Parents can so easily place their own expectations upon a teen who is in the process of discovering what they want to do with their life.
It’s great to have friends who will have your back and respect you when you don’t want to do something. Peer pressure is feeling like you have to do something because your peers are doing it, or because they want you to do it. Peers are friends and acquaintances, other people your own age that you spend time with. They can be other kids from school, kids in your neighborhood, or kids on your sports team. The more time that you spend with these peers, the more pressure you may feel to do what everyone else is doing. And finally, realize that you probably won’t be liked by everyone all the time.
Find positive influences
They gain the strength needed to say “No,” even if it may be unpopular with friends. Rather than worrying about the effects of their children’s friendships, parents would do well to focus on creating a positive, supportive home environment. That way, even if your child is peer pressured to do something they don’t want to do, they’ll feel comfortable coming to you to talk about it first. Negative peer pressure is the influence a person faces to do something they wouldn’t normally do or don’t want to do as a way of fitting in with a social group. People often face negative peer pressure to drink alcohol, do drugs, or have sex. When peer pressure is positive, it pushes you to be your best.
Thinking about it ahead of time helps you be ready to do what’s right. And when you do what’s right, you might set a good example for your peers. Maybe a kid in your science class taught you an easy way to remember the planets in the solar system. Maybe you admire a friend who is a good sport, and you try to be more like them. Maybe you got others excited about your new favorite book and now everyone’s reading it.
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Bullying others and skipping school are other examples of things that peers might try to pressure you into. It’s important to remember that even standing by and watching someone else being bullied without stepping in to help is a problem. These behaviors change your reputation and can cause lots of trouble at school. When parents let their teen know that they are there for them, teens will tend to feel more comfortable with talking to their parents before making a poor decision. Parents can let their teen know that they are available emotionally for their teen by not only telling them so but also by spending time with them.
- Peers can also be other kids who are about your age and are involved in the same activities with you or are part of a community or group you belong to.
- It’s great to have friends who will have your back and respect you when you don’t want to do something.
- Equipping teens with a variety of communication strategies empowers them to make good decisions when faced with peer pressure.
- We are at our best when we surround ourselves with people with similar values and interests.
If teens know how to speak clearly, assertively, and firmly, they might find their peers responding appropriately to their “No’s”. Log in to your account and you will see a schedule class button on the right corner. Then you can select date time and days according to your requirement and then confirm it. Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
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They can provide advice and help deal with pressure-filled situations. In the case of teens, parents are rarely concerned about the peer pressure their kids may face to engage in sports or exercise, as these are typically seen as healthy social behaviors. This is OK, as long as the exercise or sport does not become an unhealthy way of coping, excessive to the point of negatively affecting their health, or dangerous (as in dangerous sports).
So, no matter how much you try to avoid it, peer pressure is going to happen. If your child has ongoing difficulties with peer pressure, talk to his or her teacher, principal, school counselor or family doctor. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s mood, self-esteem https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-the-life-expectancy-of-an-alcoholic/ or behavior, consider a consultation with a trained and qualified mental health professional. Your friends can also influence you in good ways, so it’s essential to surround yourself with people who support your goals and encourage you to make healthy decisions.
How to Help Teens Say No to Peer Pressure
The truth is that many fewer college students drink or use drugs than people assume. It’s similar with sex and “hooking up”—most students have a skewed idea of what others are doing. Knowing the facts can help you to resist pressures based on the idea that “everyone is doing it” and that you must party to fit in. Honesty goes a long way in reducing the harmful effects of peer pressure.
Moreover, it’s important to note that some drugs are extremely potent and toxic. One-time use of such drugs may cascade into addiction more quickly. This is applicable, especially when learning how to direct peer pressure. Dangerous substances can wreak havoc on mental health and wellness. It’s imperative that a person intervenes when drugs become problematic.
Or, you can expect a neighbour to try to convince you to shoplift with him. If you are struggling a lot, and feel like you can’t handle peer pressure anymore, you should make an open conversation with your most trusted colleague in the office. Sit with the person in a comfortable space inside or outside your office, and make the person understand that you are suffering too much.
