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We have tips and advice to help you find the support you need. What’s important is to concentrate on what you have going on right now–studying, working, exercising, etc. Focus on developing yourself and understand that “normal” https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/dealing-with-peer-pressure/ is whatever you make it. Do not look at teens in movies or TV shows – they are not real. If you’ve decided that your friends don’t have your best interests at heart, search out new friends who share your values and interests.
Children may begin to worry about balancing a sense of loyalty to their friends with compassion and fairness to others. Though peer pressure is often thought of as something that happens primarily during adolescence, research suggests peer pressure begins in elementary school, often around the age of 9. You deserve to surround yourself with supportive people who respect your decisions—not people who pressure you into doing something that doesn’t feel right. Teens who volunteer in their community can keep each other motivated to participate.
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While it is not always realistic to stop peer pressure, there are many things a person can do to make sure it doesn’t negatively affect their lives. They should know that there’s nothing wrong with saying “no” to something, and they have every right to do so if they are feeling pressured to do something they don’t want to do. “You can just stop by not being around it, not putting yourself in that situation,” he says. “You can say things like, ‘Maybe next time,’ or ‘Not today’, any kind of excuse to get out of it.” Marc’s self-confidence stems from strong family support and a sense of purpose for his future.
Peer pressure that encourages a person to do harmful or dangerous things is obviously negative. But sometimes negative peer pressure takes a more subtle form, such as encouraging a student to do something that detracts from their studies. The most common type of negative pressure is risk-taking behaviors like drug use.
MYTH: Young people should learn to work through peer pressures on their own.
For this reason, we prepare our children to navigate teen culture when we help them clarify values and think through what they want for themselves. Parents can support teens to follow their own thoughts and feelings and still feel like they are fitting in. When it comes to pressures around alcohol and other drug use, something else to think about is that most students overestimate how many of their peers drink or use drugs.
- It’s imperative that a person intervenes when drugs become problematic.
- My final piece of advice is to explain your reasons for not wanting to do something.
- Many young people get their first opportunity to try alcohol at a party where no adults are present.
- Peer pressure influences are notorious for triggering the dangerous use of alcohol and drugs.
- If you’re at a party, head to the dance floor, task yourself with cleaning up, or make it a point to visit and talk to everyone at the party.
Often peer pressure is not serious and is something you can learn to handle yourself. But sometimes it is serious, and if you feel scared, in danger or as though someone else could be at risk, you should tell someone you trust straight away. Of course, everyone wants to fit in and be liked by their friends. It can be hard when you feel pressured to do something that you don’t want to do. But very often fitting in is something that is only going on inside your head.
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But you eventually give in and taste it, only to discover that you love it. Their demand that you try something new has just broadened your palate. Peer pressure can be good if it pushes a person out of their comfort zone and gives them an opportunity to discover new things.
People who don’t feel pushed into something may have a harder time finding an opportunity to refuse. In reality, peer pressure can be either a positive or negative influence that one peer, or group of peers, has on another person. The following six terms are often used to describe the types of peer pressure a person may experience. Sometimes, telling a white lie is perfectly okay when it comes to protecting your health and livelihood. Tell your friends that you cannot drink because something important is taking place the following day, such as visiting relatives or taking a major test at school. Keep in mind that your personal life is your business, and that you’re not necessarily obligated to tell your friends what’s going on.
