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If your teens don’t have quite enough confidence to walk away on their own, encourage them to look for a like-minded peer or friend who feels the same way they do in a particular situation. 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. Less alcohol consumption could give way to a healthier lifestyle, letting you engage in safe activities alongside loved ones. You avoid the consequences of alcohol, stressful situations and negative influences. It could occur in a workplace, school or via social media.
Pressure is a normal, challenging part of life for everyone. Adolescence is a time when peer pressure, in particular, may seem the hardest to deal with. That’s because, in attempting to fit in with peers, teens want to please.
How to Deal with Peer Pressure in the Workplace
Your flexibility in these areas will also allow you to take firmer stances in areas that would challenge their safety or morality. Have you heard the old joke about the patient who tells the doctor, “Doc, my arm hurts when I do this! If your teens face pressure from peers pushing them to do things they know are wrong, teach them to stay away from stressful situations in the first place. If they know that a group of teens tend to look for trouble, avoid hanging out with them. If they know a corner can be dangerous, walk around the block in the other direction.
Given the effects that peer pressure can have on adolescents and teens, it’s important for parents to encourage open communication and help their child prepare for situations of negative peer pressure. See seven tips to help teens avoid negative peer pressure and respond in a healthy way. It doesn’t take long for children to learn that life is full of choices. By the time our children hit adolescence, they know making choices can bring a certain amount of pressure and stress.
Teen Peer Pressure Examples
It’s common for teens to talk less to parents and more with friends. But when it comes down to it, teens want to know and value their parents’ opinions — especially on tough topics such as sex and drug use. As part of adolescent development, teens must learn to maneuver the ins and outs of friendships and other relationships.
According to a 2012 study, passive peer pressure has a greater effect on teen smoking than active pressure. In other words, teens with friends who smoke are more likely to also smoke. Peer pressure occurs when a peer group exerts direct or indirect pressure to do certain actions. The term “peer” often refers to people one knows in real life and who have a similar social status to oneself. However, peer pressure can also be exerted by the larger culture.
Peer Pressure Can Lead to Alcohol Use
Set aside a time where you present your teen with a variety of potential situations. For example, they get to the party and there are no parents present or they are offered a ride with someone that has been drinking. Give them time to consider your sample situations and ask them how they would respond. Asking questions out loud to a friend or a group of peers when in a tough situation may help win allies and take some of the pressure off. For example, if teens are being pressured to shoplift, teach them things they can ask their peers.
- If someone is waiting for you to answer them, tell them you need to take a few days and think about it.
- You avoid the consequences of alcohol, stressful situations and negative influences.
- Peer pressure is internal or external pressure felt to behave in certain ways, both good and bad.
- Even more so when you realize that peer pressure isn’t always necessarily a bad thing.
- It’s natural to listen to and learn from other people your age.
Adults are not exempt from facing societal expectations and peer judgment or influence. For example, you may carry the pressure of academic achievement into your career. Instead of quickly agreeing to do something you’d rather not do, pause and take a few deep breaths.
Tips
If you feel pressured by people to do things you’re uncomfortable doing, there are lots of ways to respond. Be prepared to deal with peer pressure by having a response ready. Avoid places where people do illegal activities or other things you feel uncomfortable around.
Peer pressure is the influence you feel from others to do something you otherwise would not. A peer could be a friend, co-worker, classmate, acquaintance or anyone you admire. When peer pressure is subtle it can feel harder to do anything about it. On the other hand, if your peer is wise, positive, and respectful, it can help you develop and grow as a professional. For example, if you have a habit of working over the weekend and overextending yourself, a mature and professional manager would encourage you to rest appropriately and improve your work-life balance.
Educators play a vital role in teaching students to make wise choices, and maintain their individuality by following the path to positive consequences. Students can learn that they are in control and that they have the power to resist. Support and guidance from teachers reduces the likelihood of students allowing negative peer pressure to influence their thoughts, words, behavior, and self-esteem.
- Fortunately, social media can also promote positive peer pressure through groups that support charitable causes or pages that highlight inspirational stories.
- Less alcohol consumption could give way to a healthier lifestyle, letting you engage in safe activities alongside loved ones.
- 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.
- Many people think peer pressure is about one forceful teen demanding that another, “Try this…or I’m not hanging out with you.” It is actually far more subtle.
To help combat the negative pressure, Mirgain offers a few tips. “I think of these people as being like bumpers in a bowling lane, making sure your choices are in alignment with your values and you don’t veer off track,” she said. We have tips and advice to help you find the support you need. When you’re faced with a https://ecosoberhouse.com/ choice, ask yourself what your reasons are for doing something. If it’s because all of your friends are doing it and you’re afraid they won’t talk to you if you don’t join them, then you may want to reconsider. You may be ridiculed, not invited to future get-togethers or lose relationships with certain individuals.
Peer Pressure and Addiction
Her degrees are in Psychology and Human Development from Middlebury College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Education. Reading your story can help other young people deal with the tough times. What matters is finding the strength to stay true to your own convictions.