What Is Peer Pressure

“Confidence is knowing who you are and not changing it a bit, because of someone’s version of your reality is not their reality” (Shannon L. Alder). Throughout teenage years, this is one of the most important life lessons that is learned, because peer pressure can cause you not to be able to find your true identity. For example, during my freshman year of high school; I was picked on by a student, because she was influenced by others. Peer pressure influences teens to trust their friend’s judgement and experiment with drugs and alcohol. Not only affecting themselves; but also the people around them. Peer pressure is the influence that a social group of friends has on an individual’s behavior; specifically students in high school. Teenagers

Some activities may include experimentation with drugs and alcohol. This is one problem that has risen over the years due to peer pressure. Stated in a blog, “Many teens use drugs regularly and often try to convince those around them to join in” (Teens and Peer Pressure). An old friend by the name of Caitlin; was put in the same position. Soon after making friends with numerous upperclassmen throughout high school; they began to invite her to various parties persistently. Throughout the night at one of the parties she attended; her new friends deliberately offered her to smoke and drink along with them. They told her that it was okay and it would not harm her in any way. She then made a conscious decision to trust their judgement; partaking in the experimentation with drugs and alcohol. Ever since she ventured with drugs and alcohol for the first time; she has struggled with addiction. Recently, I asked her why she allowed others to influence her decision making; she responded, “Throughout my teenage years, I was still trying to discover the person that I was. And by hanging out with the crowd that I did, I wanted them to think that I was a cool person to be around.” Today, she smokes up to two grams of marijuana a day. Not including the amount of alcohol she consumes. Clearly, this situation has allowed others to influence her decision

There are numerous ways to avoid peer pressure. These ways include thinking about the consequences, using common sense, and practicing saying “NO!” These are a few techniques that can be used to stop peer pressure. If this situation with teenagers continues to progress; they’ll never be able to discover who they truly are. Allowing them to follow the wrong path. This is an ongoing problem that many teens will face throughout their lives; but it is important to stay true to who you are and make good decisions in the