Pressure Point

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Recommended: Insident of peer pressure among teens

Peer pressure is described as the influence one may feel from an individual or group to do something that he/she may not otherwise consider doing. Is it really difficult to be unique, and stand out from the crowd? Many adolescents have difficulties straying from the so called rebellious teen stage. This is because their emotions run high. Teens think of the consequences of being rejected by their peers, such as embarrassment and shame. These two negative emotions instantly set in the minds of teens. As a result, they become subject to such pressures seen throughout their community and schools. Although peer pressure is not always negative; it is, however, mostly perceived as a negative option of influence. Positive influences between peers are rarely talked upon or praised. Adolescents become acquainted with sex, drugs, fashion, relationships and so on. Many are pressured into such things from the company or friends they keep. Peer pressure has a vast amount of influence from the desire to be accepted, popularity and image and through the media. The vast majority of us have a fear in rejection. Along with rejection, we fear failure and disappointment to others. Thus the desire to be accepted comes to play. For most, the teen years are the peak of new life. The ages of 12 to 18 are the climax years for the want to fit in. it is essential for parents to instill in their children the trait of self confidence and self esteem. Your confidence allows you to be comfortable in your own skin. The desire to be accepted gives teens a harder time to say no to peer pressure. For example, 9th grade transfer student Jasmine is given the chance make friends with a group of female seniors; but she is told to skip school with the girls. Jasmine is... ... middle of paper ... ...eer pressure and so many more causes. These influences upon our youth can all be avoided if they have confidence in themselves and what they were taught. Teens have to know that the images shown throughout our media are for our enjoyment and entertainment, but not to be repeated to a certain extent. Remember to follow your own instinct and dare to be different. It will not hurt to say no! Works Cited Teen life Q&A Special. http://teenadvice.about.com/library/weekly/aa102902a.htm#q2 Langholt, Alice http://www.life123.com/parenting/tweens-teens/peer-pressure/causes-of-peer-pressure.shtml What is peer pressure? http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/peer-pressure Roberts-Grey, Gina. Teen Popularity Pressures http://family.go.com/parenting/pkg-teen/article-784215-teen-popularity-pressures-t/ http://www.prsa.org/AboutPRSA/PublicRelationsDefined/#.UygdDj9dUyU

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