Positive And Negative Effects Of Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure is defined as, “social pressure by members of one’s peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted.” (Dictionary, 2016) Many teens struggle with peer pressure throughout their day to day lives. Peer pressure comes in many forms whether it may be peer pressure to do drugs, have sex, drink alcohol, steal, etc., there is a positive and negative side to peer pressure. Peer pressure can influence an adolescent in a positive way by motivating them into doing something good, such as doing their homework or completing all of their chores. Peer pressure can influence them in a negative way by persuading them to do negative actions such as, not completing homework, cutting class,

“Peers play a large role in the social and emotional development of children and adolescents.” ("Peer Pressure," 2012) Children are influenced by their peers at a very early age and as they get older it increases. It is normal for children to rely on their peers as they get older and start to mature. Friends can be supportive and positive towards one another. They can motivate one another by joining extracurricular activities, finding new books to read, music to listen to, and learning new skills. Like mentioned before there is also negative peer pressure, “they can encourage each other to skip classes, steal, cheat, use drugs or alcohol, or become involve in other risky behaviors.” ("Peer Pressure," 2012) Most of the kids who have a substance abuse problem started using drugs because they were pressured into

These types of interventions help the child become more aware of their actions and it also places them in a setting where they can relate to other peers who have dealt with peer pressure. Peer pressure comes in many different types of forms it is not only the act of doing bad things in school, it also has to do with doing certain things against one’s will. Parents should educate their children on how it should not matter how others perceive you, they should know that they do not have to do what others want them to do if they do not feel comfortable doing