Peer Pressure Among Teens

Imagine yourself sitting around with your friend group, finding a movie to watch. You were about to suggest a particular movie to watch, but your friends dismissively said that the movie is boring and not worth the time. You know that this is your favourite movie to watch, but you agree with your friends to avoid getting embarrassed or feeling left out. This simple situation is an example of peer pressure. As a teen, we have probably experienced the effect of peer pressure numerous times on a range of different topics such as clothes and fashion or the subjects you choose to do at school. 

Teens, specifically, are most affected by peer pressure. They tend to be quick and blunt in making judgements towards others but are also easily influenced and find it more difficult to steer away from poor behaviour. When they are surrounded by their peers and have to make a decision in the heat of the moment, they are more likely to come to a conclusion that their friends influence. This is due to the underdevelopment of teenage brains. A paediatrician at Scripps Clinic, Rancho Bernardo, stated that only 80 percent of a teenager’s brain has been developed. Moreover, the prevalence of teen pressure is also due to the increasing amount teenagers spend with other adolescents compared to their family members, even via social media.

You may be thinking, why is there a need to discuss the effects of peer pressure? It may seem like a minor problem that teenagers may overcome after a while, but social pressure can lead to detrimental effects. Negative peer pressure refers to situations where one is tempted to do something harmful to themselves or to others. This is when teens encourage their peers to participate in something that they might feel uncomfortable with, such as underage drinking or the use of drugs. Another example is when teens persuade others to victimise their peers. As a result of these pressures, teenagers can develop mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Conducting an activity they regret may cause teens to feel stressed, and not being able to withstand the effects of peer pressure may cause despair and sorrow. Constant pressure may also lead to low self-esteem and self-confidence. This is because overtime, teens may find themselves overly dependent on their peers, which may cause them to feel insecure about their own thoughts and opinions—on top of this, being too concentrated on trying to fit in causes teenagers to spend less time with their families and diverts attention away from their academics.

As we go on with our daily lives, we will constantly be faced with decisions we need to make. To ensure we make morally right decisions, we should surround ourselves with the right people and be able to realise who influences us to do dishonourable activities. If we are unsure whether a decision is right or wrong, we can always approach a trusted adult such as our parents or teachers and ask them for advice. 

Sources

• https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/teen-addiction/related/teen-peer-pressure/ https://headsup.scholastic.com/students/peer-pressure-its-influence-on-teens-and-decision-making/ 

• https://www.verywellfamily.com/negative-and-positive-peer-pressure-differences-2606643#:~:text=Here%20some%20examples%20of%20negative,to%20drink%20or%20try%20drugs 

• https://www.scripps.org/news_items/4648-how-does-peer-pressure-affect-a-teen-s-social-development#:~:text=%E2%80%9CTeens%20have%20extra%20unconnected%20synapses,and%20risky%2C%20impulsive%20behavior.%E2%80%9D 

• https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/helping-teens-deal-with-peer-pressure#:~:text=Negative%20peer%20pressure%20can%20also,harm%20or%20have%20suicidal%20thoughts