"In a world full of trends and peer pressure, the most rebellious thing you can do is stay true to yourself.“
As children move to higher grades in school, they will face new experiences that can be both exciting and challenging. From changing dynamics in friendships to exploring new interests and taking on more responsibilities, secondary school, higher middle school or high school is a time for growth and change. However, along with these new experiences comes the pressure to fit in and be accepted by your peers.
Did you know that 75% of teenagers will face peer pressure at some point during their high school years? Meet Aarya, a 15-year-old student. Aarya always had a passion for art, spending hours after school in the art room painting and sketching. However, as she moved to Grade 9, she felt pressure from her family and friends to focus more on academic subjects and less on art. She found herself torn between following her passion and fitting in with her friends.
Peer pressure is something that every teenager will face at some point, and it can be tough to deal with. Peer pressure can manifest in various ways, from feeling pressured to conform to certain social norms to feeling like you have to excel academically or participate in certain activities to be considered successful. These pressures can be overwhelming and may lead teens to make decisions that they're not comfortable with.
But don't worry – you're not alone! It's essential to remember that you are in control of your own choices and that it's okay to stand up for yourself and stay true to who you are. In this article, we'll explore what peer pressure is, the different types of peer pressure you might encounter in school, how it can affect you, and most importantly, how you can handle it like a pro. Plus, we'll share some tips for parents on how they can support you through it all.
What is Peer Pressure?
Peer pressure is when teens feel like they have to do something because their friends are doing it. Peer pressure is the influence that your friends, classmates, or peers have on you. Peer Pressure can work in various forms. Sometimes, peer pressure can be subtle and hard to recognize. You might not even realise that you're giving in to peer pressure until it's too late. For example, you might agree to do something you're uncomfortable with, just because everyone else is doing it. Understanding the different types of peer pressure can help you recognize it when it happens and make better decisions for yourself.
Types of Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be both positive and negative. Positive peer pressure can encourage you to do your best, try new things, and make healthy choices. Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, can lead you to make decisions that go against your values or beliefs.
Direct Peer Pressure:
Direct peer pressure is when someone tells you to do something. For example, a friend might pressure you to skip class or try a cigarette.
Indirect Peer Pressure:
Indirect peer pressure is more subtle. It's when you feel pressure to fit in or be like everyone else. For example, you might feel like you have to dress in a certain way or act a certain way to be accepted by your peers.
Social Media Pressure:
In today's digital age, peer pressure can also come from social media. Seeing your friends post about certain things or watching influencers promote certain products can make you feel like you need to do the same.
Social media platforms like Instagram can have a big influence on how you see yourself and your friends. You might see your friends posting about parties, vacations, or expensive clothes and feel like you need to do the same to fit in.
But here's the thing: what you see on social media isn't always the whole story. People usually only post the good things that happen to them, not the bad things. So it's important not to compare yourself to what you see online.
Academic Pressure:
Peer pressure doesn't just come from social situations; it can also come from academic expectations. You might feel pressured to score high in exams or to study in a certain way, join certain study groups, or pursue specific academic paths, even if it doesn't feel right for you.
For instance, your friends might be studying for hours on end, but you might find that studying for long periods isn't effective for you. Or maybe you're more interested in pursuing creative subjects like art or music but feel pressured to focus solely on academics.
It's essential to remember that academic success looks different for everyone, and not everyone is cut out for the same path. What works for one person might not work for another, and that's okay. It's important to find what works best for you and to focus on your own goals and aspirations.
Instead of comparing yourself to others or giving in to peer pressure, focus on finding what works best for you. Whether it's studying in shorter bursts, finding creative ways to learn, or pursuing your passions outside of traditional academic subjects, it's important to stay true to yourself and your goals.
Positive Peer Pressure:
But peer pressure isn't always a bad thing. Peer pressure can also be positive. For example, your friends might encourage you to do things that are good for you, study hard and do well in school or get involved in a club or sport.
Team Pressure:
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between peer pressure and being part of a team. Being part of a team, whether it's a sports team, a club, or a group of friends, is a great way to connect with others and work toward a common goal. When you're part of a team, you might feel pressure to perform well and to support your teammates. While this can sometimes feel like peer pressure, it's important to remember that being part of a team is about working together and supporting each other, not about giving in to negative influences.
How to Handle Peer Pressure
Tips for Kids:
The key to handling peer pressure is to develop the confidence to make your own choices and to stand up for what you believe in. Here are some tips to help you handle peer pressure:
Know Your Values: Take some time to think about what's important to you and what you believe in. Knowing your values will help you make decisions that are right for you.
Practice Saying NO: It's okay to say no if you're not comfortable doing something. Practice saying no in different situations so that you feel confident standing up for yourself.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Surround yourself with friends who support and encourage you to be your best self. Positive influences will help you make positive choices.
Love Your Unique Self: Your happiness and well-being are just as important as your academic success. Don't let peer pressure dictate your path. Trust yourself, follow your interests, and remember that your unique journey is what makes you special.
Talk to Someone You Trust: If you're feeling pressured to do something you're not comfortable with, talk to someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, or school counsellor. They can offer advice and support.
Tips for Parents:
As parents, it's essential to provide teens with the support and guidance they need to thrive. Peer Pressure can be tough to resist, but you can help by talking to your teen about making their own decisions and staying true to themselves.
Active Listening: Take the time to listen to your teen without judgment or interruption. Let them know that you're there for them and that they can talk to you about anything.
Open-Ended Questions: Ask open-ended questions to encourage your teen to express themselves and share their thoughts and feelings. Instead of asking yes or no questions, try asking questions like, "How was your day?" or "What's been on your mind lately?"
Mutual Respect: Discuss the importance of boundaries and mutual respect in relationships. Let your teen know that you trust them to make their own decisions and that you're there to support them, no matter what.
Positive Reinforcement: Discuss the risks of unhealthy behaviours and encourage your teen to make positive choices and praise them when they do. Let them know that you're proud of them and that you believe in them.
Set a Good Example: Show your teen how to handle peer pressure by setting a good example yourself. Be mindful of the messages you're sending and the behaviours you're modelling.
Seek Help When Needed: Know when to seek professional help if your teen is struggling with mental health issues or difficult emotions. Reach out to school counsellors, therapists, or support groups for guidance and support.
Summary
Understanding the different types of peer pressure and how they can influence your decisions is an important part of growing up. Remember, it's okay to be yourself and make choices that are right for you. Don't let peer pressure, whether it's from friends or social media, control your decisions. You have the power to make your own choices and create the life you want.
Teens, with love, support and guidance from parents and trusted adults, can navigate peer pressure like pros and emerge as confident, resilient young adults. Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and there is support available every step of the way.
Stay strong!