peerpressurepro
An extract from our booklet, "The Peer Support Leaders Guide to Everything"
The people in the popular group say there is no peer pressure because they are at the top of the food chain. Really what they are doing is just eating away at everybody else.
LAUREN GREENFIELD, Girl Culture
Peer pressure is no longer a rare topic in the media. In fact it is one of the most frequent topics of discussion by researchers, teachers, and parents. Yet, how many teenagers actually understand it? Let me start from the beginning. Peer pressure is the force from one's peers to behave in a manner similar or acceptable to them. In some cases, this is a good thing, but in many, it is not. Teenagers today are surrounded by pressure; from their parents, their teachers and the media for things as widely spread as school results to fashion. But the main source of pressure in a teenager’s life is that from his or her friends. By friends you can feel pressured in many ways. To dress right, do your hair in the right way, say the right things, and even eat to fit in. This can become so normal; you can forget it is pressure at all. The thing is, although some peer pressure is great, like convincing your friend to go abseiling on camp, when she needs a bit of encouragement, much of it is not. Things like clothing, whether to use drugs or alcohol, whether to get a boyfriend or girlfriend and your choice of friends, should be your decision; not anyone else’s. But as many teenagers know, it’s easy to be sucked in; to stop caring, and just go with it. Sometimes it’s just easier to say yes than put up a fight.
But this is not right. As the commencement age of peer pressure gets lower and lower, we believe that younger children should be taught about the dangers of peer pressure, as well as other closely related problems; bullying, self-esteem, friendship and depression. We acknowledge that peer pressure will never fully disappear, but we hope that someday, after raising awareness, that it will be recognised and easily combated by people everywhere.
Maybe, when put in a tough situation, it will be second nature to say no, and confidently walk away…
What do you think? Thoughts, comments, questions?
You can find our site at www.thepeerpreessureproject.blogspot.com
The people in the popular group say there is no peer pressure because they are at the top of the food chain. Really what they are doing is just eating away at everybody else.
LAUREN GREENFIELD, Girl Culture
Peer pressure is no longer a rare topic in the media. In fact it is one of the most frequent topics of discussion by researchers, teachers, and parents. Yet, how many teenagers actually understand it? Let me start from the beginning. Peer pressure is the force from one's peers to behave in a manner similar or acceptable to them. In some cases, this is a good thing, but in many, it is not. Teenagers today are surrounded by pressure; from their parents, their teachers and the media for things as widely spread as school results to fashion. But the main source of pressure in a teenager’s life is that from his or her friends. By friends you can feel pressured in many ways. To dress right, do your hair in the right way, say the right things, and even eat to fit in. This can become so normal; you can forget it is pressure at all. The thing is, although some peer pressure is great, like convincing your friend to go abseiling on camp, when she needs a bit of encouragement, much of it is not. Things like clothing, whether to use drugs or alcohol, whether to get a boyfriend or girlfriend and your choice of friends, should be your decision; not anyone else’s. But as many teenagers know, it’s easy to be sucked in; to stop caring, and just go with it. Sometimes it’s just easier to say yes than put up a fight.
But this is not right. As the commencement age of peer pressure gets lower and lower, we believe that younger children should be taught about the dangers of peer pressure, as well as other closely related problems; bullying, self-esteem, friendship and depression. We acknowledge that peer pressure will never fully disappear, but we hope that someday, after raising awareness, that it will be recognised and easily combated by people everywhere.
Maybe, when put in a tough situation, it will be second nature to say no, and confidently walk away…
What do you think? Thoughts, comments, questions?
You can find our site at www.thepeerpreessureproject.blogspot.com