The Effects of Peer Pressure

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The Effects of Peer Pressure It happens every single day around the United States, even in my community; another teen succumbs to the temptations all young people face while in high school. Drug and alcohol usage has become an epidemic, primarily due to peer pressure. More than fifty percent of teenagers from ages twelve through twenty have experienced with alcohol at least once in their lives, statistics indicate that adolescences that drink or utilize drugs are more likely to behave in a violent manner. They are more likely to attempted suicide and/or develop problems such as depression and addiction later in life. Peer pressure is unrecognized as one of the leading contributors to this phenomenon. Peer pressure has many negative effects. Teens tend to make poor decisions when surround by their friends. When we are with friends, we compel to do something we normally wouldn’t. Peer pressure is a powerful effect that changes our decision making. Bad habits can form from this dire atmosphere in which we surround ourselves. You may not be a party go-er on the weekend, but if a friend invites everyone, you don’t want to be the only no show. Peer pressure can turn your attitude around in a split second, you can turn from a stay at home loner, to a party animal. Because of peers, many teenagers drink against their will. Peer pressure is the culprit in creating alcohol addicts or drug addicts. Peer pressure is inevitable since there is always “cool kids” walking around school that we look up too. The parameters of good and bad have been replaced by ‘what’s in’ and ‘what’s out’. Most teens are vulnerable to anything that crosses their path. Some do not understand they are slowly ruining their life by giving in to peer pressure. ... ... middle of paper ... ... just because the ‘popular kids’ have it. It’s very important to realize that life is not all about fitting in with the others surrounding me, it’s about recognizing who I am and knowing that my decisions will effect me later in my life—whether it be my clothes, my friends, or my actions. It’s very important to make friends and socialize with everyone, but there are ways to create new ties and mix up with people without being pressured by others. I will never let my friends shape my identity; I will be my own individual and by being a friend of theirs, appreciate the differences of their tastes versus mine. If my friends ask me to change the person I am in order to ‘fit in ‘with them, I’m better off without that ‘friend’. The key to not succumbing into peer pressure, is to be confident and comfortable with yourself, without giving into the influences of society.

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