Peer pressure is not isolated to
one age group, everyone needs to belong or feel connected to his
or her own age group. Kids and adults are partnered to peer
pressure. Teens like adults are influenced by their peer group.
This is normal behavior and is modeled for teenagers by the
adults around them. As adults, we are familiar with the
expression "keeping up with the Jones'," a sense of wanting to
fit in. Adults conform to the social standards set by their
peers and teenagers are very carefully watching the adults that
influence his or her life.
Teen peer pressure -is more than
just a phase that young people go through. Whether it leads to
extreme hair and clothing, tattoos, or body piercing, peer
pressure is a powerful reality and many adults do not realize
its effects. It can be a negative force in the lives of children
and adolescents, often resulting in their experimenting with
tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
Teenagers want to be with
people their own age. Children, especially during adolescence,
begin to spend a lot more time with their friends, and less time
with their family. This makes them more susceptible to the
influences of their peers. It is important to remember that
teenage friends can have a positive influence on a youth. During
teenage years, young people are more accepting of their peers
feelings and thoughts. Peers can and do act as positive role
models.
Parents, teachers, and other
adults should encourage teenagers to find friends that have
similar interests and views as you a parent, educator, religious
and community leader are trying to develop in the teen. The
critical adult views including doing well in school, having
respect for others, avoiding drug use, smoking, drinking and
other risky behaviors.
During adolescence, young
people put into practice risk-taking behaviors as they are
trying to find their own identity and become more independent.
This makes them very vulnerable to experimenting or becoming
addicted to drugs and alcohol, sexual activity, and defiance of
authority, especially if there is peer pressure to do so.
Adolescents who use drugs are also more likely to become
involved in gang activity, have low self-esteem, behavior
problems, school performance problems, and depression.
Parents, teachers, religious
and community leaders want to promote positive peer pressure
among teens. Parents and other adults often believe that
teenagers do not value their opinions. In reality, studies
suggest that parents have tremendous influence over their
children, especially teenagers. No matter the age of their
children, parents, caregivers and other adult role models should
never feel helpless about countering the negative effects of
peer pressure.
Here are some suggestions what
parents and other adults can do:
• Establish and maintain good
communications
• Nurture strong self-esteem
• Avoid criticism that takes the form of ridicule or shame
• Monitor your teens activities
• Role-play peer pressure situations
• Talk openly and honestly about stealing, alcohol, illegal
drugs, and sex
• Avoid attacking the teen's friends- criticizing a teenagers
choice of friend can be perceived by a teen as a personal
attack.
• Be an involved parent
• Ask questions and enjoy listening to teenagers as he or she
talks
• Get teenagers involved in youth groups, community activities
and peer monitoring programs
• Help the teen understand the difference between image
(expressions of youth culture) and identity (who he or she is)
Peer pressure during childhood
and adolescence equips young people to develop healthy
friendships, self-identity, self-esteem, and self-reliance. It
is healthy for everyone to talk about how they feel what they
need, desire and want. Parents mistakenly assume that their teen
does not want to talk to them, but it may just be that the
teenager does not want to talk about his or her bad grades,
their bad behavior and how much trouble they are in. Usually
teenagers are more willing to talk about something they are
interested in or something positive that is about them.
Develop a habit of talking with your teen everyday. Building a
strong close open relationship with him or her while they are
young will make it easier for your teen to discuss problems,
concerns and other sensitive issues associated with school,
relationships, and other life stressors.
