It proves that there is no age discrimination when it comes to peer pressure to consume alcohol, as many may feel social isolation if they do not conform. There are a variety of ways in which people can feel pressured to engage in behaviors they may not want to do. Everyone of all ages, races, and genders are susceptible to feeling some type of peer pressure at some point in their lives.
About This Article
- When people are taunting and teasing you for not doing something you don’t want to, it’s hard not to feel frustrated.
- But they could also end up dreading club meetings and finding excuses to get out of practice.
- Practicing compassion, demonstrating good friendship behaviors, and staying true to their unique self will set them up for success later on.
- By following the strategies discussed in the article you can build confidence and strength to resist negative influences and stay true to yourself.
Peer pressure can not only bring about changes in behavior, but also thoughts, opinions, and feelings. While peer pressure is most frequently used to describe the influence of friends on teenagers, all people can be subject to peer pressure. When a person has been pressured into unhealthy habits, a counselor can help the individual reevaluate and change their behavior. Children and adolescents of any age can experience peer pressure in the form of engaging in risky behavior, name calling or bullying other children, or breaking rules. The pressure these children face to conform to their social circle is often the only way they feel they can belong to that group. As we get older, these feelings of needing to conform can persist.
How to Get Help for Someone Who Has Experienced Peer Pressure
- For instance, friends might encourage each other to study hard, avoid substances, stick up to bullies, or give back through community service.
- This could stem from wanting to be liked, or a fear of confrontation.
- Though peer pressure is not usually used to describe socially desirable behaviors, such as exercising or studying, peer pressure can have positive effects in some cases.
- Ask almost anyone who has “been there, done that” about peer pressure.
Handling guilt takes practice, but it is worthwhile to listen to your intuition. Turn to parents or guardians for backup while dealing with peer pressure situations that feel beyond your coping skills. An outside adult perspective can help decode complex social dynamics you feel confused or hurt by. Positive peer how to deal with peer pressure pressure manifests through peers motivating each other towards helpful, healthy choices. For instance, friends might encourage each other to study hard, avoid substances, stick up to bullies, or give back through community service. The end goal is to reinforce constructive behaviours while avoiding peer pressure.
What Are Examples of Positive Peer Pressure?
Peer pressure is also highly complex, as it is not always direct. It can sometimes manifest as indirect pressure, such as when a person perceives that many or even all of their peers use drugs. When I was at school, I struggled to shake the overwhelming feeling that I was somehow lagging behind everyone else. I liked my friends and I enjoyed socialising, but I often felt like I was still missing out. I was convinced that my peers had bigger friendship circles, went out more, partied harder, stayed up later, dressed cooler, drank more, had more partners – you get the picture. I remember being so wrapped up in the idea that I was somehow falling short because I was not exactly like them.
Peer pressure transcends age groups and can begin before the first day of school at daycare, playgroup, and more. On top of that, it has been linked to crime and juvenile delinquency. Knowing and acknowledging it for what it is can help us decide what to do next. We can also take the intentional step of being mindful about who we surround ourselves with, and who we chose to be closer to. Alternatively, meditation courses and support groups are widely available.
Learn strategies that can help you handle negative peer pressure.
This could stem from wanting to be liked, or a fear of confrontation. If saying no is difficult for you, come up with different ways to say no. Which ways are you more comfortable with, or less uncomfortable with?
- As we get older, we may just not recognise it as such, as pressure from other people can become more subtle.
- Kirtan Kriya is a method of meditation that combines a mantra or chant with repetitive motion of the fingers to focus your thoughts.
- Some youths may intentionally do badly in tests and examinations.
For example, ask if they want to go bowling or watch a movie instead. This way, you’re able to connect with your friend while engaging in something that won’t harm either of you. Peer pressure involves people within the same group influencing others in the group to engage in a behavior or activity that they may not otherwise engage in.