Change Your World Week Winter 2023 (Archived)

Peer pressure is the feeling that a person is required to do something to be liked or respected by a person's age or social group. It can also be looked at when a person is influenced to do an action because they feel the need to be accepted and valued by their friends. The reason most peer pressure happens is because of people comparing themselves to others and wanting to fit in. One of the reasons peer pressure also affects kids and teens is because they are seeking independence from their parents. Peer pressure doesn’t just affect kids in the moment, it also affects them for their future decisions because they will think that if they did it once, then it’s okay to do it again. (K, 2020)

Recognizing peer pressure can be seen in many different instances. Becoming aware of these situations can help the person in the long run. Some indicators of peer pressure can include: behavior changes, focusing on their image, doing things they don’t want to do, breaking rules, or trying different substances (Woda, 2014). The biggest indicator for the child experiencing peer pressure is when people around that individual persuade or pressure them into something they don’t want to do. Parents can also recognize that their child has been affected by peer pressure. Some ways parents can help with this is to encourage open and honest communication, teach them to be assertive, get to know who your child is hanging out with, get to know what media your child is interacting with, help them develop self-confidence, and develop backup plans to help them get out of uncomfortable or dangerous situations.

This type of peer pressure happens when friends or people influence each other negatively. Negative peer pressure can also be seen in direct or indirect situations. Direct peer pressure is the immediate interaction of asking or persuading someone to do something. Indirect is an unspoken pressure that can be seen when trying to fit in (Hardy, 2019).

Some specific examples of negative peer pressure include:

• Smoking

• Vaping

• Using Drugs

• Consuming Alcohol

• Sexual pressure

• Going to parties

• Doing risky things

• Breaking rules or laws

• Decline in work ethic

• Trying to fit in

Peer pressure can affect anyone, adults included. Adults may face the pressure of wanting to keep up with the lavish lifestyles of their friends or of wanting to be the best parent possible. However, teen’s are especially sensitive to peer pressures. Teens are highly influenced by social situations and often feel strong desires to fit in. Teens and children are influenced the most because their brains are still being developed, so knowing right from wrong is harder for them to distinguish (Pugle, 2022).

1. Stay away from peers who pressure you to do things that are wrong or can put you in danger 

2. Learn how to say “no” to dangerous or uncomfortable situations

3. Practice how to get out  of situations that are unsafe or uncomfortable

4. Surround yourself with people who resist peer pressure

5. If you have problems not being able to to say “no” or easily find yourself pressured into situations, talk to a professional or someone you trust (Aacap, 2018)

Peer pressure or influence: Pre-teens and teenagers. Raising Children Network. (2021, November 3). Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/behaviour/peers-friends-trends/peer-influence#:~:text=Peer%20pressure%20or%20influence%20is,fitting%20in%20with%20your%20group. 

The Power of Peers. (n.d.). NIH News in Health. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/09/power-peers

Experts, K. H. B. H. (Ed.). (n.d.). Peer pressure (for teens) - nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/peer-pressure.html#:~:text=It's%20natural%20for%20people%20to,or%20have%20what%20others%20have. 

Aacap. (2018, March). Peer Pressure . Peer pressure. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Peer-Pressure-104.aspx#:~:text=Peer%20Pressure&text=Peers%20play%20a%20large%20role,as%20they%20grow%20and%20mature.  

Peer Pressure: Types, Examples, Tips for Teens and Adults. (2022, September 13). Verywell Health. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/peer-pressure-in-teen-and-adult-life-5323858

YouTube. (2020). How to handle Peer Pressure as a Teenager | Positive Peer Pressure vs Negative Peer Pressure. YouTube. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFMaSObTOTQ.  

Published by Statista Research Department, & 6, A. (2015, August 6). U.S. Teen Social Media Peer Pressure 2015. Statista. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/453833/us-teen-social-media-peer-pressure/ 

Hardy, M. (2019, February 5). Type of peer pressure. LoveToKnow. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://teens.lovetoknow.com/Type_of_Peer_Pressure 

Woda, S. (2014, October 31). 7 obvious signs your teen is suffering from peer pressure. uKnowKids Digital Parenting and Safety Blog. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/7-obvious-signs-your-teen-is-suffering-from-peer-pressure