Peer pressure is a direct or indirect influence on peers. For example, members of social groups with similar interests and experiences, or social statuses. Members of a peer group are more likely to influence a person's beliefs, values, religion and behavior. It is a feeling that one must do the same things as other people of one's age and social group in order to be liked or respected and valued by friends. For example, she started drinking in high school because of peer pressure.

Peer influence can be positive and negative. Peer pressure happens quite frequently– on social media, amongst our friend groups, at school and sometimes even in our home.  There are several reasons, from scientific to social, that show why teenagers are vulnerable to peer pressure.

• Developmental changes in the teenage brain: The prefrontal cortex in the brain, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, still develops during adolescence. This means that teenagers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors because they do not fully understand the consequences of their actions.
• A desire for social acceptance: As numerous teen relate to films and television shows that demonstrate, youth is a time when people seek to establish their identities and gain social status. Thus, they may be more likely to conform to social norms and engage in popular or socially accepted behaviors. Peer pressure can be seen the most in a crowded learning environment.
• Lack of self-confidence: Many young people look to their peers for validation and support when they experience self-doubt and insecurity during adolescence. This act can make them willing to engage in behaviors they would not otherwise engage in, only to gain social acceptance.
• Miscommunication: Many conflicts among peers stem from misunderstandings, misinterpretations or poor communication skills.
• Jealousy and envy: Feelings of jealousy or envy can lead to conflicts when one person perceives another as a threat or feels left out.

Peer pressure on teenagers can have both positive and negative effects, with the latter being more worrisome. However, the negative effects of peer pressure outweigh any benefits they may provide. Some of the effects:

• Sudden changes in behaviours and attitudes: With the involvement of peer pressure, lots of teenagers can develop unhealthy habits to fit in with a group of friends. They may even go as far as making compromises and conforming to those of their peers just to feel connected and be a part of their community.
• Impact on mental and physical health: Stress, anxiety or depression may occur in the mental health of teenagers who feel pressured to conform to social norms.
• Impact On Academic Performance: Peer pressure can also affect academic performance, as young people who prioritize social acceptance over academic achievement may struggle to keep up with their studies.
• Lack of self-confidence: Negative peer pressure is often related to influencing- bullying behaviours, drinking alcohol, drug use and negative body image, all of which are harmful to a child or young person's well-being. The effects of such behaviours can decrease self-confidence. Children may also be rejected by their peers because of atypical characteristics, such as a handicap or minority status.

Peer pressure is most commonly found in the ages of 12-19 years old. Hence, social pressure can be caused by the psychological pressure from young adults. Although parents worry about the influence of peers, overall, parents also can have a strong influence on whether children succumb to negative peer pressure.

Rather than worrying about the effects of their children's friendships, parents would do well to focus on creating a positive and supportive home environment. That way, even if your child is peer pressured to do something they don't want to do, they'll feel comfortable coming to you to talk about it first.

Research has shown that girls often experience higher levels of peer pressure compared to boys, particularly in relation to appearance, social status and relationships. This gender disparity has important implications for understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by girls during their formative years.

Our sessions help in:

How to Say No to Peer Pressure:

• Know what’s right: Guide you to trust your own feelings about what’s right and wrong. You probably already know the answer and when you know the right thing to do, it helps you stand firm.
• Identify a friend who will stand with you: One other friend who is willing to say "No”. This takes a lot of the power out of peer pressure. It's great to have friends who will back you up when you don't want to do something.
• Helping other peers:  Notice that a friend is having trouble saying no to peer pressure. You can help by saying, "I'm with you — let's go".
• Confidence to walk away: If you are faced with peer pressure while you are alone, you can stay away from peers who pressure you to do stuff you know is wrong and walk away. Better yet, find other friends and classmates to hang around with.
• Importance of getting advice from an adult: If you face peer pressure that’s hard to handle, get advice from an adult you trust. It can help you feel much better. They can help you prepare for the next time you face peer pressure.
• Set boundaries: Saying "no" can be hard, but it's necessary to set healthy boundaries in relationships.
• Take your time: Instead of quickly agreeing to do something you'd rather not do, pause for a moment or take a few days. It's easier to resist the pressure when you put some time and space between yourself and the situation.

• Academic Achievement: Nothing fosters academic success like a healthy dose of collaborative motivation like peer study groups. Similarly, engaging in scholastic competitions with peers can spark a positive rivalry that pushes everyone to perform at their best.
• Volunteering, Community Service & Personal Development: There’s something incredibly powerful about being part of a group committed to making a difference. When your peers are passionate about self-growth, their enthusiasm is infectious. Positive peer pressure encourages a proactive approach to personal development that can change your life trajectory.
• Overcoming Fears and Trying New Things: Friends often push each other out of their comfort zones, urging one another to face fears and embrace novel experiences.
• Professional Networking and Opportunities: Career-focused friends can make all the difference in your professional life by introducing you to networking opportunities, recommending you for positions or simply motivating you to pursue new career paths and ambitions.
• Positive Social Behaviors: Being surrounded by peers who exhibit kindness, respect and empathy naturally encourages similar behaviors in oneself. This “kindness contagion” can significantly improve the social climate of a community.

Peer pressure need not be cast as the villain in our personal narratives. Some influences that might lead us astray can also propel us toward success, health and communal well-being. So, let’s redefine peer pressure, embracing its potential as a catalyst for positive change.