Dealing with Peer Pressure
BERITA LAINNYA - 04 December 2024
By: Christian Samuel J.S. (XI-1 / 04)
Imagine you’re trying to fit in with your friends or social groups. This is a common experience for many teens, known as peer pressure. It can take many forms, from subtle suggestions to overt demands, and sometimes it can lead to situations where you may feel compelled to make choices that don’t align with your values.
Peer pressure can make some teens tend to let their peers talk them into doing things they wouldn’t normally do. The most common experiences of peer pressure happen throughout high school and college, usually around 12 to 19 years old. They want to be accepted by their peers so they often do several things to impress them. Some feel like since others are doing it they have to do it too to fit in. There are many varieties of peer pressure, for example how you walk or talk, what clothes you wear, and the type of music you listen to.
Peer pressure can be positive or negative. When peer pressure is positive, it can push you to be your best. This can be very constructive and motivating to the person being pressured. On the other hand, negative peer pressure is when someone who is a friend or part of a group you belong to makes you feel that you have to do something to be accepted. When we think of peer pressure, this usually comes to mind when the phrase ‘peer pressure’ is used. The cause of negative peer pressure is you often feel guilty or disappointed with yourself for acting in a way that goes against your beliefs or values. Some examples of negative peer pressure are, needing to dress or act a certain way, cheating or copying someone else’s work or letting others copy your work, not including certain people in social activities, etc.
Now how do we deal with peer pressure? Firstly, pay attention to your feelings. If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, it’s essential to trust your instincts and take a step back to assess the situation because pressure can often come from friends who may not even realize they are influencing you. One effective strategy for resisting peer pressure is to build a strong sense of self. Know your values and what’s important to you. Surround yourself with supportive friends who respect your decisions and encourage you to just be yourself. Having a solid support system can make it easier to say no without feeling isolated. Lastly, don’t be afraid to say ‘no’. Sometimes it’s okay to say no without needing to apologize or give an explanation, but this should be done respectfully and confidently. For example, you can say, “I appreciate the invite, but that’s not for me,” or “I’m not comfortable with that.” Remember, true friends will respect your choices, and standing up for yourself can inspire others to do the same.
“The greatest prison people live in is the fear of what other people think.”
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