peer pressure will help students grow essay

Peer Pressure Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on peer pressure.

Peer pressure can be both negative and positive. Because if a person is a peer pressuring you for a good cause then it is motivation. Motivation is essential for the growth of a person. While peer pressure for a bad cause will always lead you to a disastrous situation.

Therefore it necessary for a person to not get influenced by the people around them. They should analyze the outcome of the deed in a strict manner. So that they no may commit anything harmful for themselves. As this world is full of bad people, so you need to be careful before trusting anybody.

Advantages of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is advantageous in many ways. Most importantly it creates a sense of motivation in the person. Which further forces the person to cross the barrier and achieve something great. Furthermore, it boosts the confidence of a person. Because our brain considers people’s opinions and makes them a priority.

Many salesmen and Entrepreneurs use this technique to influence people to buy their products. Whenever we are in a social meet we always get various recommendations. Therefore when a person gets these recommendations the brain already starts liking it. Or it creates a better image of that thing. This forces the person to buy the product or at least consider it.

This peer pressure technique also works in creating a better character of a person. For instance, when we recommend someone for a particular job, the interviewer already gets a better image of that person. Because he is recommended by a person the interviewer trusts. Therefore there is a great chance of that person to get hired.

Above all the main advantage of peer pressure can be in youth. If a young person gets influenced by an individual or a group of people. He can achieve greater heights in his career.

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Disadvantages of Peer Pressure

There are various disadvantages of peer pressure which can harm a person in many ways. If any person is not willing to perform a task then the peer pressure can be frustrating to him.

Furthermore, peer pressure should not be in an excessive manner. Because it lands a negative impact on the person. A person should be of the mindset of listening to himself first. While considering opinions in favor of him.

Peer pressure in youth from a bad company can lead a person to a nasty situation. Furthermore, it can also hamper a student’s career and studies if not averted. Youth these days are much influenced by the glamorous life of celebrities.

And since they follow them so much, these people become their peers. Thus they do such things that they should not. Drugs and smoking are major examples of this. Moreover most shocking is that the minors are even doing these things. This can have adverse effects on their growth and career.

It is necessary to judge the outcome of a deed before getting influenced by peers. Furthermore, peer pressure should always be secondary. Your own thoughts and wants should always have the first priority.

Q1. What is peer pressure?

A1 . Peer pressure is the influence on people by their peers. As a result, people start following their opinions and lifestyle. Furthermore, it is considering a person or his opinion above all and giving him the priority.

Q2. Which sector of the society is the peer pressure adversely affecting?

A2 . Peer pressure has adverse effects on the youth of society. Some false influencers are playing with the minds of the youngsters. As a result, the youth is going in the wrong direction and ruining their career opportunities.

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Essay on Peer Pressure: 100, 200, and 450 Word Samples in English

• Updated on  
• Mar 2, 2024

Have you ever done something just because your friends or peers have done it? Say, watched a movie or TV series, visited places, consumed any substance, or academic achievement. This is a classic example of peer pressure. It means you are influenced by your peers or people around you.

Peer pressure can be both positive and negative, but mostly, it has negative effects. Peer pressure often occurs during adolescence or teenage years when individuals are more susceptible to the opinions and actions of their peers. Sometimes, peer pressure can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, we must deal with peer pressure in a civilized and positive way. 

On this page, we will provide you with some samples of how to write an essay on peer pressure. Here are essay on peer pressure in 100, 200 and 450 words.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Peer Pressure in 450 Words
• 2 Essay on Peer Pressure in 200 Words
• 3 Essay on Peer Pressure in 100 Words

Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English .

Essay on Peer Pressure in 450 Words

‘Be true to who you are and proud of who you’re becoming. I have never met a critic who was doing better than me.’ – Jeff Moore

Why do we seek recognition? Why do we want to fit in? Why are we not accepting ourselves in just the way we are? The answer to these questions is almost the same; peer pressure. Peer pressure is the influence of our peers in such a way, that we wish and try to do things in the same way as others did. 

Negatives and Positive Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can have positive and negative effects. Positive peer pressure can result in better academic performance, personal growth and development, etc. We can be a source of inspiration to our friends or vice versa, which can result in better academic growth, adopting healthier lifestyles, and engaging in community service. For example, you are part of a group collaborating on a community project that demonstrates the constructive influence of peer interaction. This can encourage a sense of purpose and shared responsibility.

Negative Peer Pressure is the opposite of positive peer pressure. In such cases, we are influenced by the negative bad habits of our peers, which often result in disastrous consequences. Consider the scenario where one of your friends starts smoking simply to conform to the smoking habits of his peers, highlighting the potentially harmful consequences of succumbing to negative influences.

How to Deal With Peer Pressure?

Peer pressure can be dealt with in several ways. The first thing to do is to understand our own values and belief systems. Nobody wants to be controlled by others, and when we know what is important to us, it becomes easier to resist pressure that goes against our beliefs.

A person with self-esteem believes in his or her decisions. It creates a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. When you believe in yourself, you are more likely to make decisions based on your principles rather than succumbing to external influences.

Choosing your friends wisely can be another great way to avoid peer pressure. Positive peer influence can be a powerful tool against negative peer pressure.

Building the habit of saying ‘No’ and confidently facing pressure in uncomfortable situations can be a great way to resist peer pressure. So, it is important to assertively express your thoughts and feelings. 

Peer pressure can have different effects on our well-being. It can contribute to personal growth and development, and it can also negatively affect our mental and physical health. We can deal with peer pressure with the necessary skills, open communication, and a supportive environment. We must act and do things in responsible ways.

Also Read: Essay on Green Revolution in 100, 200 and 500 Words

Essay on Peer Pressure in 200 Words

‘A friend recently started smoking just because every guy in his class smokes, and when they hang out, he feels the pressure to conform and be accepted within the group. However, he is not aware of the potential health risks and personal consequences associated with the habit. 

This is one of the many negative examples of peer pressure. However, peer pressure can often take positive turns, resulting in better academic performance, and participation in social activities, and physical activities. 

Dealing with peer pressure requires a delicate balance and determination. Teenagers must have alternative positive options to resist negative influences. Developing a strong sense of self, understanding personal values, and building confidence are crucial components in navigating the challenges posed by peer pressure.

Learning to say ‘No’ assertively can be a great way to tackle peer pressure. You must understand your boundaries and be confident in your decisions. This way, you can resist pressure that contradicts your values. Also, having a plan in advance for potential pressure situations and seeking support from trusted friends or mentors can contribute to making informed and responsible choices.

‘It is our choice how we want to deal with peer pressure. We can make good and bad decisions, but in the end, we have to accept the fact that we were influenced by our peers and we were trying to fit in.’

Essay on Peer Pressure in 100 Words

‘Peer pressure refers to the influence of your peers. Peer pressure either be of positive or negative types. Positive peer pressure can encourage healthy habits like academic challenges, physical activities, or engaging in positive social activities. Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, can lead us to engage in risky behaviours, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or skipping school, to fit in with our peers.’

‘There are many ways in which we can deal with peer pressure. Everyone has their personal beliefs and values. Therefore, they must believe in themselves and should not let other things distract them. When we are confident in ourselves, it becomes easier to stand up for what we believe in and make our own choices. Peer pressure can be dealt with by staying positive about yourself.’

Ans: ‘Peer pressure refers to the influence of your peers. Peer pressure either be of positive or negative types. Positive peer pressure can encourage healthy habits like academic challenges,, physical activities, or engaging in positive social activities. Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, can lead us to engage in risky behaviours, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or skipping school, to fit in with our peers.’

Ans: Peer pressure refers to the influence of our peers or people around us. 

Ans: Peer pressure can have both positive and negative effects on school children. It can boost academic performance, encourage participation in social activities, adopt healthier lifestyles, etc. However, peer pressure often results in risky behaviours, such as substance abuse, unsafe activities, or other harmful behaviours.

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With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Positive Effects of Peer Pressure: Essay Example

Positive effects of peer pressure: essay abstract, positive effects of peer pressure: essay introduction, positive effects of peer pressure, the avoidance of negative peer pressure, positive effects of peer pressure: essay conclusion.

The paper dwells on the analysis of the positive effects that peer pressure can have on adolescents. At the same time, the negative implications of peer pressure are acknowledged. The influence of peer pressure on teens’ development in various dimensions is discussed. It is noted that such negative habits as smoking, substance abuse, and careless driving can be mitigated with the application of positive peer pressure. The paper also emphasizes the role of teachers and parents in the formation of adolescents’ social interactions. With the help of a carefully crafted approach, it is possible to turn peer pressure from a challenging issue into a beneficial phenomenon.

Peer pressure can have a significant impact on almost every aspect of a teenager’s life. However, while peer pressure is commonly viewed as a negative phenomenon, it can also have many positive aspects. Peer pressure has the potential to help teens grow as individuals and adopt good habits. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the positive features peer pressure can enhance, as well as analyze the negative ones that should be eliminated.

As the state of being affected by one’s peers, peer pressure is a focus of research involving both positive and negative implications. While scholars mostly emphasized the negative impact of peer pressure in the past, recent studies indicate the beneficial effects of such a social phenomenon. The most evident influence of peer pressure is that it helps individuals analyze their habits and reflect on their ways of life. Research indicates that with the help of peer pressure, it is possible to mitigate serious health-related and behavioral problems. For instance, Bilgiç and Günay (2018) report that peer education is a highly effective approach to generating positive behavioral changes regarding teen smoking. Scholars note that peer education helps to eliminate the use of tobacco by teenagers. Positive peer pressure has also been reported by Goode, Balzarini, and Smith (2014), who found that it could decrease undergraduate drinking. Finally, Alinier and Verjee (2015) report that it is possible to promote driving safety using positive peer pressure. All of these studies demonstrate that following someone’s positive example can help young people to change themselves for the better.

Additionally, peer pressure has a considerable positive impact on young people’s education. According to Baruah and Boruah (2016), teenagers’ brain shows better activity when their classmates observe them. Seeing one’s peers achieve their goals can make one more persistent and goal-oriented. As Baruah and Boruah (2016) mention, peer pressure can serve as “a powerful source of reinforcement” (p. 241). One of the ways of increasing teenagers’ interest in academic improvement is arranging pair and group tasks where they have to interact and collaborate to reach the best outcome.

Additionally, peer pressure can develop young individuals’ understanding of social relationships and teach them to evaluate others’ ideas, compromise, or refuse to accept some issues. Teenagers’ emotional and social support of one another is revealed through peer communication. Hence, peer pressure can also perform the function of enhancement of such communication.

Despite several positive effects of peer pressure, there are also negative ones, such as the increase in teenagers’ inclination to careless driving, participation in criminal activity, or engaging in negative health behaviors. However, with carefully selected strategies, it is possible to avoid such adverse outcomes of peer pressure. Thus, promoting enough education and communication regarding establishing healthy relationships is essential for teenagers. In this respect, it is necessary to increase the quality of parent-teen relationships, as well as enhance school connectedness (Zhu et al., 2015). A vulnerable group of adolescents is represented by teens with disabilities, who need additional training in handling negative peer pressure (Khemka et al., 2016). By arranging positive relations among teens, parents, and schools, it is easier to avoid adverse implications.

Peer pressure can be both stimulating and discouraging in striving for better academic performance. As Bursztyn, Egorov, and Jensen (2019) report, the establishment of identity among adolescents may trigger both positive and negative effects of peer pressure. The teacher must arrange an environment where students feel safe and unwilling to give up because of their peers’ mockery. Korir and Kipkemboi (2014) also emphasize the teacher’s role in creating a positive peer-pressure atmosphere. Finally, the role of the family in avoiding negative peer pressure should not be underestimated (Telzer et al., 2018). Parents should teach their children that their behaviors impact others, as well as that they should not be discouraged by others’ negative attitudes.

Peer pressure plays a crucial role in developing young people’s values, habits, principles, and behaviors. Even though peer pressure is primarily viewed as a negative phenomenon, it is impossible to overestimate its positive qualities. Teachers and parents, who perform the function of guidance counselors and behavior regulators, should help teens to make the best out of peer pressure effects on the development of positive features.

Alinier, G., & Verjee, M. (2015). Encouraging a driving safety culture through positive peer pressure with courtesy. Journal of Local and Global Health Science, 2015 (2), 18.

Baruah, P., & Boruah, B. (2016). Positive peer pressure and behavioral support. Indian Journal of Positive Psychology, 7 (2), 241–243.

Bilgiç, N., & Günay, T. (2018). Evaluation of the effectiveness of peer education on smoking behavior among high school students. Saudi Medical Journal, 39 (1), 74–80.

Bursztyn, L., Egorov, G., & Jensen, R. (2019). Cool to be smart or smart to be cool? Understanding peer pressure in education. The Review of Economic Studies, 86 (4), 1487–1526.

Goode, C., Balzarini, R. H., & Smith, H. J. (2014). Positive peer pressure: Priming member prototypicality can decrease undergraduate drinking. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 44 , 567–578.

Khemka, I., Hickson, L., & Mallory, S. B. (2016). Evaluation of a decision-making curriculum for teaching adolescents with disabilities to resist negative peer pressure. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46 (7), 2372–2384.

Korir, D., & Kipkemboi, F. (2014). The impact of school environment and peer influences on students’ academic performance in Vihiga County, Kenia. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 5 (1), 240–251.

Telzer, E. H., van Hoorn, J., Rogers, C. R., & Do, K. T. (2018). Social influence on positive youth development: A developmental neuroscience perspective. Advances in Child Development and Behavior, 54 , 215–258.

Zhu, J., Zhang, W., Yu, C., & Bao, Z. (2015). Early adolescent Internet game addiction in context: How parents, school, and peers impact youth. Computers in Human Behavior, 50 , 159–168.

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The Effects of Peer Pressure on Students, Essay Example

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There are no simple answers to the effects of peer pressure on students.  It would be unfair to say that most peer pressure results in unwise decisions, as it is often generalized within current culture.  Peer pressure transforms a student in a unique manner.  The current analysis will examine the most dangerous effects of peer pressure on students, as well as the general negative and positive effects.

Dangerous Effects of Peer Pressure

There are a number of dangerous effects that peer pressure can have on students.  These effects are often felt within media and schools, which is where the perceived dangers of peer pressures lie, according to most.  However, they certainly cannot be disregarded due to the truth of these concerns.

Alcohol is felt within the consequences of peer pressure in students.  With regards to underage drinking, this is a significant problem within students, especially in high school and college.  The habits and commonplace of underage drinking is established in high school, which is then perpetuated to one’s college years.

Partying in general is another example of the more dangerous effects of peer pressure.  Younger students at parties are around others who are unsupervised, which makes them more susceptible to peer pressure.  Thus, items like drinking and other inappropriate behavior are accepted in one’s social circle.  Peer pressure is commonly seen at parties, which is where a number of dangerous activities occur.

Sex is also another example of the negative effects of peer pressure.  Students are having sex at a younger age, resulting in items like teenage pregnancies.  As underage and unprotected sex becomes accepted in social circles, peer pressure often has an effect on students in this way as well.

General Negative Effects

There are a number of generally negative effects that peer pressure can have on a student’s development.  Beyond the more dangerous effects, at least in regards to the more clearly defined negative effects, a number of underlying effects of peer pressure can be seen with students.  The dynamics that are presented in peer pressure in students can unfortunately be quite negative.

Peer pressure can often drown out the opinion of one.  When students are engaged in certain social circles, it is not uncommon to see the unfair treatment of individuals.  Certain individuals, whether they are not liked, ignored, or just not seen, are often unable to relate to others.

Peer pressure also removes the choices that one should be able to make.  A number of events and activities that students are involved in are done on a social level.  Such activities remove the healthy choices that enable students to seek adventure and healthy activities, instead of what is expected or on schedule.

The underlying negative dynamic of peer pressure is the ultimate undermining of individuality.  Peer pressure has the unfortunate effect of removing one’s own will and desires, in order to become accepted or liked within a social circle.  As seen in these negative examples and in the more dangerous illustrations, the individual is often casted our in peer pressure.  As a result, one is left to follow others in that of peer pressure.

General Positive Effects

Peer pressure can of course have positive effects on students.  While this is often not portrayed, it rings true for many students.  It can often push and help one to realize or perform something, to help someone thrive with the help of others.

Peer pressure can help individuals in more difficult periods.  Friends are there to help someone in tough times, and peer pressure can help someone who needs wise council.  Many students, who are involved with the right people, are able to enjoy the positive relationships when they need them the most.

Some activities driven by peer pressure can help students get involved.  Activities and functions can be great for the social development of a student.  Peer pressure, even when applied outside of one’s comfort zone, can ultimately be beneficial.

Peer pressure can also help individuals make the right choices.  When students face difficult choices in their life, they often rely on their friends.  In this manner peer pressure can help persuade one to the right decision, allowing their friend to see the positive way to react to an important choice.

It is unfortunate that peer pressure is often regarded in one dimension.  While there are certainly negative effects of peer pressure, such as those that undermine one’s individuality and encourage dangerous practices, peer pressure can help an individual develop through the difficult times as a student and a person.  Centered on surrounding oneself with positive influences, peer pressure can rise above the negative effects to institute healthy social and personal steps of one’s development.

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How Does Peer Pressure Affect a Teen’s Social Development?

Tips to support your teen while respecting their independence.

It’s inevitable. As your children grow up, they will want to spend less time with you and more time with their friends, even if via social media. Peer influence is that powerful.

But what are the effects of peer pressure on the social and emotional development of teens?

Teen peer pressure is a complicated area. While teens may feel they have “grown up,” their brain is still developing. One of the still maturing functions is judgment.

There are also different types of peer pressure for this age group, negative and positive.

Positive peer pressure can help teens develop the coping skills necessary for adulthood. It might encourage teens to become more active in athletics or to avoid risky behaviors, which can be especially helpful during tough times.

Negative peer pressure can lead teens in bad directions. It could lead them to try alcohol or drugs, skip school or engage in other poor behaviors that could put their health at risk.

“A teenager’s brain is only about 80 percent developed,” says Gurinder Dabhia, MD , a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo .

“Teens have extra unconnected synapses in the area where risk-assessment occurs, and this gets in the way of judgment,” she says. “In addition, the prefrontal cortex is underdeveloped, which makes teens more sensitive to peer pressure and risky behavior.”

How to support your teen

As a parent, the rules really aren’t that different from when your child was a toddler:

• Keep a good watch over them
• Communicate clearly your expectations for behavior and making safe choices
• Intervene in risky situations, especially if their physical and mental health are at stake

“Stay involved in your teen’s life and know whom they admire and spend time with,” says Dr. Dabhia.

Check their health and wellness

Although occasional acting out is typical among teenagers, it’s important to watch for signs of underlying depression or anxiety. Parents, caregivers and family members play a critical role in identifying and helping to address teen depression .

Signs that may indicate teen depression include sulking, withdrawal and high-risk behaviors.

“Remember to have conversations with your children about alcohol, drugs or sex well before the teen years,” says Dr. Dabhia. “You want your children to understand the short and long-term consequences of negative behavior at an early age so they will be prepared and not surprised. This will reinforce these values when they really need them.”

While anyone who is sexually active can get a sexually transmitted disease or infection, the people most affected are young people between the ages of 15 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Give them their space

Of course, as much as you want to be with them and protect them, you have to allow older children their freedom — otherwise they may simply rebel harder.

To guide your teen, teach them what to do in specific situations. For example, if people in their social groups or peer groups are pressuring them to drink alcohol or do drugs, let them know you’re only a phone call away and that you will come get them. Teens will respond favorably when they understand that your first priority is to keep them safe, not to punish them.

“As challenging as it is to watch your child grow up and become independent, it is essential to their well-being that parents respect their independence,” says Dr. Dabhia. 

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• Health and Wellness
• Family Medicine

Ask a Psychologist

Helping students thrive now.

Angela Duckworth and other behavioral-science experts offer advice to teachers based on scientific research. Read more from this blog.

Why Students Give In to Peer Pressure. Here’s How to Help Them Resist It

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This is the second in a two-part series on social belonging. You can read the first one here .

How do I help students fight peer pressure?

Young people recognize when they’re giving in to bad influences, but they struggle to resist. Here’s something I wrote about the topic for Character Lab as a Tip of the Week :

My 12-year-old son came home from school one day, his head hanging low. A kid had been teasing him, and he lashed out in return. Things escalated until he found himself in a fistfight on the playground, other kids egging him on. He knew “it probably wasn’t the best thing to do.”

I was disappointed in my son—hadn’t I raised him to be a better person than that? When I asked him why he did it, he said, “Sometimes I care more about my ego than about myself.”

This motivation to protect and enhance our sense of self is what psychologists call self-integrity .

Life is full of threats to self-integrity. You didn’t get a promotion. A friend slighted you. Even when there’s no actual threat, your mind drifts to possible ones: Maybe I’ll choke under pressure at the next game. Maybe I’ll fail the big exam. And so on.

When our self-integrity is threatened even momentarily, we are more likely to conform to others who offer validation, even when their views are wrong, reckless, or hateful.

We might think that people who engage in destructive or anti-social behavior lack character, that they’re bad seeds who have a history of disciplinary problems. But research finds that’s often not the case. One of the strongest predictors of teens’ bad behavior isn’t their attitude but social norms—what they think other teens endorse, especially the ones they want to be like. In this study, the teens who conformed most to anti-social norms were the ones who, like my son, worried about being accepted.

That’s why punitive approaches to disciplinary problems in school, especially suspension, do more harm than good. Punishment doesn’t help teens feel like they belong. What’s the alternative? Activities that affirm the self, that help people to get in touch with their core values and live them out in word and deed.

Don’t jump to the conclusion that bad behavior reflects bad character.

Do consider the possibility that bad behavior comes from a desire to belong and be seen. Help the young people in your life reflect on their most cherished values . Then they can join volunteer groups, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities that allow them to express and act on those values. In my son’s case, he became an avid member of a sports club, where he learned and lived out the values of effort and teamwork—and found a powerful source of self-integrity and belonging.

The opinions expressed in Ask a Psychologist: Helping Students Thrive Now are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

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Navigating Peer Pressure: Supporting Students' Academic Success

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How peer pressure helps teens grow up

Peer pressure has long been thought of as a negative influence on teens, but experts now believe that it is at the center of an important developmental step into adulthood, the Wall Street Journal 's Shirley Wang reports.

According to Temple University psychology professor Laurence Steinberg, peer influence is a normal part of adolescence. Susceptibility to peer pressure tends to peak around age 15, but teenagers learn to start setting boundaries with peers by age 18.

Beatriz Luna, a development cognitive neuroscientist at UPMC , adds that it is "adaptive to have a [biological] system that encourages you to start exploring outside the home, to start making your new own peer circles."

Why teens are more susceptible to peer pressure

Luna notes that researchers used to think that teenagers were quick to succumb to peer pressure because they did not have fully developed frontal lobes, the portion of the brain responsible for decision-making and intricate cognitive tasks.

However, a growing body of research suggests that teens are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure because they get greater pleasure from behaviors they experience as rewarding. The feeling of being liked by other people causes a rush of neurotransmitters in the teenage brain, Luna says.

Helping teens learn to overcome peer pressure

Although teenagers learn to overcome peer pressure as part of their neurological development, parents can take steps to avoid the negative consequences of its influence, Wang writes. 

For example, "authoritative parenting" that is warm but sets strict boundaries tends to foster the development of independent thinkers who might be less susceptible to the influence of their peers.

However, parents should learn to let their kids stand up to them, too. "If you're the kind of parent that raises your children with the 'do it because I said so' approach, you're raising a child who's going to be more susceptible to others saying, 'Do this,' " Steinberg says.   

In addition, parents can talk to their children about overcoming peer pressure and how to handle situations where it might arise and encourage bad behaviors (Wang, Journal , 6/17).

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Posted on June 20, 2013

Updated on March 17, 2023

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Speaking of Psychology: The good and bad of peer pressure, with Brett Laursen, PhD

When a school year begins, students are dealing with new classes, sports and other school-related activities. Most students will also face the challenges of peer pressure. Psychologist Brett Laursen , PhD, talks about the science behind peer pressure and what parents can do to help their kids.

About the expert: Brett Laursen, PhD

Streaming Audio

Audrey Hamilton: When a new school year begins, students are dealing with classes, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Most students will also face an entirely different set of challenges with peer pressure. Parents may notice a change in how their child dresses or behaves at home. How much of this is related to their friends' influence and how should parents address peer pressure with their children. In this podcast, we talk with a psychologist who looks at the science behind peer pressure, both the good and the bad.

Brett Laursen is a professor of psychology at Florida Atlantic University, where his research focuses on how children and teens interact with their peers and parents. Specifically, he studies how these relationships affect their social lives and academics. Dr. Laursen is a fellow of the American Psychological Association. Welcome.

Brett Laursen: Thanks. It's a pleasure to speak with you.

Audrey Hamilton: When does peer pressure typically begin to occur in children's lives and what impact does it have on child and adolescent development?

Brett Laursen: Before we tackle that question, I think it's important to define peer pressure. If we define peer- pressure as essentially, influence, then I think we can see that peer pressure begins very early on. But, it's not often the way that parents and adults think of it. You have explicit peer pressure and you have implicit peer pressure. So, let me give you an example. I know of a young man who just started middle school and started it with long hair and a couple of months into middle school he got his hair cut very short. This could have been because somebody made fun of his long hair. That would be the explicit form of peer pressure. But, it could also be very implicit. He could have wanted to fit in. He could have been eager to make new friends, other kids with short hair who didn't want them to be off put by his long hair. He could have thought this was some form of status – that people with short hair appear to have more status than people with long hair. We don't know, in this particular instance and we often don't really know exactly if it's one or the other and typically, it's probably a combination of things. So, when we think about peer pressure, we're really talking about influence to behave differently, that's exerted by peers.

So, when does it begin?

It begins as soon as children start to pay attention to what other children think about them. So, we can see peer influence in the very early grade school years. We see it over behavior problems where one set of peers will influence another to act badly. We also see it over academic achievement where friends do better when they're paired with other kids who are doing better in school. We see this as early as first grade. Our data in both Finland and the U.S. suggest that these influences happen with very young children.

Audrey Hamilton: Why are some children and teens more susceptible to peer pressure than others? You see some kids that generally seem to just do their own thing and not care what other children think of them, but that's not always the case and why are some of them more susceptible to that?

Brett Laursen: We're still working to disentangle the notion of susceptibility from the notion of being really influential. So, on the one hand, there are some children who are susceptible to influence from anyone – that is to say that whatever comes down the pike they're likely to follow. But, it's also the case that some people are more influential and so, if you hang around with people who tend to be particularly influential, you will look susceptible even though you're not particularly susceptible. It just happens to be that you're hanging around with others who are highly influential.

So, I'll try to address that question, but I want to put that big caveat out there first because if you're hanging around with somebody who's very persuasive and who has a lot of social skills, you may look susceptible when in fact you're not particularly susceptible to other people. It just has to do with those that you spend your time with. So, we know that susceptibility is greater for children who don't have a lot of friends. They want to protect the friendships that they have, and so they're more likely to do what their friends say because they're worried about losing their friends and have difficulty making others. Younger children who hang around with older children are susceptible to influence. Paradoxically, being popular may make you susceptible to influence. This one is a little bit up in the air, but it may be that popular kids in some domains worry about protecting their status and so, they're more likely to be influenced to be seen doing things that they should be seen doing even if they don't want to do them because otherwise they fear their status will diminish in the eyes of their peers.

Audrey Hamilton: What about any difference between boys and girls when it comes to peer pressure?

Brett Laursen: We don't have firm evidence on this but I can tell you this much is for sure. Boys spend much more time in groups than girls whereas girls spend their time; tend to spend their time in friendship dyads. And so, the influence that boys receive is much more likely to be concerned with fitting into the group as a whole. And so, boys need the approval of a larger group of peers whereas girls are much more focused on getting along with one or another particular individual. And so, we probably are going to see more individual influence on girls whereas boys are going to be more apt to be susceptible to forces from the group, as a whole.

Audrey Hamilton: And I'm sure there are some parents that are listening to this wondering what can they do to help children recognize and deal appropriately with peer pressure?

Brett Laursen: It's a good question. The first thing I think that parents can do is that they can help children recognize that attempts to influence them are everywhere. You can't turn around without somebody attempting to influence you. They want you to eat this or buy that or watch this or listen to that. So one of the first things we can do is we can help children understand that our culture is full of influence attempts and peers are just another set of forces that are vying for our attention and are vying to shape our behavior. So once children start to see that there are these influences everywhere, that's really the first step of the process. So, you recognize when there are influence attempts going on and you can start to label them and recognize them and label them and recognize them and children become more adept at recognizing and labeling them and identifying them, then you can start to talk with them about is that the kind of influence you want to be shaped by. Is that something that you want to be susceptible to? And if not, we start to talk about how we might resist that influence. But, it's much easier to resist influence if you've thought about your strategy beforehand. It's a teen going to a party and there's going to be somebody drinking there. Is that something that you want to resist or not? Certainly, you want to tell your teen that what are your strategies for if the person who was driving decides to drink? What are your strategies for not getting in the car? What is your strategy for finding a way home that won't involve driving with somebody who has been drinking? So, recognizing that there's influence out there, and it's not necessarily over influence. There's going to be a lot of covert, of implicit influence and that influence is just the same as all the other influence and children need to be sensitive to that.

Parents can serve as a buffer against peer-influence. We know that children who have good relations with their parents feel that they have less of a need to please their friends. So, I'll give you an example of one set of research findings that we have from work that we have done in Sweden.

Children who have friends who are really burned out on school – who report that they are tired of school – if your friend is a high burnout on school, then you're much more likely to feel less interested in school. School engagement is going to drop over the course of a year unless you report really strong relations with your parents. And so having a good relationship with your parents is going to buffer you against this adverse peer influence.

Audrey Hamilton: Some of what you're talking about – a lot of what you're talking about is negative peer-influence, but some of your research has looked at how peer-influence can be a positive factor in a child's life. What are some examples of that and what can children and teenagers do to develop these kinds of relationships? Brett Laursen: Well, if you think about it logically, it can't possibly be the case that all peer influence is bad or else children would all, inevitably end up as juvenile delinquents because influence would be negative and more negative and more negative and everyone would be susceptible to it. So, there has to be, there has to be some area of push back. There has to be some area where peers are good. We know that kids are going to be influenced for better or for worse by whoever is the more influential partner. So, if we take two friends out and we know that one is particularly influential – let's say the one who has more friend options or the one who is older or the one who is doing better in school or the one who is more attractive – whatever – the one who is more influential is going to set the tone for the influence. So, if the one who is more influential doesn't like to drink, then we have data that suggests that actually teens desist from alcohol consumption. That the lower, the less influential member of the group is going to desist from drinking because they want to be more like the more influential one. We see the same thing that the levels of delinquency will go down, as well. So it all depends on the characteristics of the more influential partner and the same is true in a group. The group leaders. So, the more the group leaders have a positive agenda, the more that other children are more likely to be influenced by that positive agenda. So, if you belong to a group where everyone is physically active, you're going to be physically active. There's a big "except" for this. Except for if you really don't want to do this, then you're likely to drop out of that group or not be friends with those particular individuals anymore. You are going to go and select people who are more like you and under those circumstances, when children are de-selected from groups or drop out of friendships, then they go and look for kids who have more similar levels of perhaps drinking or deviance and then they may be inclined to be influenced in a different direction.

Audrey Hamilton: Does peer pressure follow people into adulthood or is there a point in life when it becomes less of a factor?

Brett Laursen: For sure, peer pressure follows people across their whole life course. But, you're going to receive in different ways from different people. So, are adults susceptible to peer pressure? I think the answer is, of course! Last night, I went to back to school night for my children and I was very impressed by the whole string of SUV's that arrived and out of the SUV's got moms with very similar haircuts and very similar length of heels and dads who all look like they have gone shopping at the same place who differed only in terms of whether or not they wore a tie.

Audrey Hamilton: Right. All had the smartphones.

Brett Laursen: There's no question that we're susceptible to peer-influence and this proceeds across the course of our life. As we get older, we form romantic relationships and we get married, then different peers influence us. But, it's still peer influence, nevertheless.

Audrey Hamilton: Yeah, well great. Thank you so much for joining us, Dr. Laursen.

Brett Laursen: Pleasure was mine. Thank you.

Audrey Hamilton: For more information, please visit our website . Thank you for joining us. I'm Audrey Hamilton with the American Psychological Association's "Speaking of Psychology."

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Episode 2:  The good and bad of peer pressure

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Speaking of Psychology

Speaking of Psychology is an audio podcast series highlighting some of the latest, most important, and relevant psychological research being conducted today.

Produced by the American Psychological Association, these podcasts will help listeners apply the science of psychology to their everyday lives.

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About the host: Audrey Hamilton

Audrey Hamilton was the host of Speaking of Psychology from 2013 to 2018. A former broadcast news reporter, she worked in APA’s Office of Public Affairs from 2008 to 2018.

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How Peer Pressure Affects Everyday Students

Speech On Peer Pressure [1,2,3 Minutes]

In today’s competitive environment, everyone feels peer pressure. Some people consider it to be helpful while others believe peer pressure is not always beneficial. Hence, It has become an important issue to discuss and find out the advantages and disadvantages of peer pressure.

In this article, there are many examples of speech on peer pressure of 1, 2 and 3 minutes in duration. It will also help you understand a short and simple definition, the types, and the purpose of peer pressure. This will help you write a good speech.

1 Minute Speech On Peer Pressure

Hello and welcome all of you gathered here. I am here to share my thoughts on peer pressure.

If you are a student, your classmates are your peers. If you are an employee, your colleagues are. The actions of your peers impact you in a positive way or a negative way. These actions drive you to do the same irrespective of what your goals are.

Peer pressure drives you to think of a competitor to your group. This way, people suffer from anxiety and depression. This is why peer pressure is considered a negative term. It completely depends on the person who handles it. Only he or she can get the advantages of peer pressure.

Dealing with peer pressure is an art. If one knows how to use it to help in growth, it can be proved helpful. Hence, it becomes important to explain to children the ways to handle peer pressure in earlier stages of life so that they lead a stress-free life. Thank you!

2-Minute Speech On Peer Pressure

Before I deliver my speech I would like to wish you all the best wishes & I also want to thank you a lot for having me a chance to share my views on this important topic i.e. peer pressure.

What is peer pressure? Some of us understand it well. Anyway, I want to explain it in my own words. Please let me know if I say anything wrong.

Here is an important word “peer” to be understood clearly. The word “ Peer ” comes from the Latin which means equal . A peer is someone at your own level. For example; if you are a 12th grader, your classmates are your peers.

“As we know that we are social creatures. We want to grow on the same level as others in the society. This aspiration of growth drives us to be competitive with others . Also, this leaves a pressure on our psychological health. This pressure is simply called peer pressure.”

Now, a question arises in the mind; Is peer pressure beneficial? Different people have different thoughts on this. Some people consider it to be helpful while others believe peer pressure is not always beneficial. Hence, It has become an important issue to discuss and find out the advantages and disadvantages of peer pressure.

If we think unbiased, peer pressure is neither beneficial nor harmful. It has some positive and some negative impacts. On the one hand, Peer pressure helps students to motivate to do extraordinary. On the other hand, it can cause them to suffer from fear of failure.

Hence, it has both impacts of one side. Peer pressure is not limited to students, people feel peer pressure in each sphere of life. Most importantly, many people suffer from severe depression and anxiety. It completely depends on the person and how he handles peer pressure.

To sum it up , it becomes important to explain to children the ways to handle peer pressure in earlier stages of life so that they lead a stress-free life.

This is all thought about peer pressure. I hope it was helpful, Thank you!

Speech On Peer Pressure | 3 Minutes

I warmly welcome all of you gathered here. I am here to deliver a speech on peer pressure. Before I start my speech, I would like to wish you a good day. Also, I want to thank you for having me this valuable opportunity.

Peer pressure is an important issue in contemporary times. I think some of us are well aware of what is peer pressure but I want to explain it so that everyone here can understand the topic well.

Peer pressure is pressure left by our peers. Now, we need to understand who are our peers. The word “ Peer ” comes from the Latin which means equal . A peer is someone at your own level. For example; If you are an employee, your colleagues are your peers.

Peer pressure is classified into many types but it has two main types; positive and negative peer pressure. For example; When your peers achieve a milestone, you compare yourself to them and start working for the same. This is called positive peer pressure .

Opposite to this, when your smoker friends push you to smoke as they believe it to be cool. This is called negative peer pressure . Sometimes you want to say no but peer pressure drives you to make poor choices by not saying “no”. This tendency lowers your self-esteem.

Hence, peer pressure has both negative and positive impacts. It completely depends on the person and how he or she handles peer pressure. Most importantly, many people suffer from severe depression and anxiety and peer pressure can be of any kind.

To avoid the negative impacts of peer pressure, one needs to make decisions wisely. In this process, one can practice some of the common practices. Some of them are;

1. Learn to Say “No”

Saying no is an important ritual for avoiding doing things you don’t want to do. Explain clear reasons behind your refusal. If your peers don’t understand, you should leave their company.

2. Make Friends with similar values

People develop their personalities according to the values received. If you make friends who have similar values, they will understand you well and not force you to do something.

3. Get Away from the pressure Zone

One of the best methods to prevent peer pressure is to walk away from where you feel negative peer pressure. You can spend time alone to figure out your goals and ways.

To sum it up, our brain is our greatest tool that can help us find solutions for every kind of problem. Just find out your ways to eliminate negative peer pressure from the equation. Thank you!

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Every Student Should Learn about Peer Pressure

Estimated reading time: 2 min  38 sec

Introduction

Do you remember a moment when you felt compelled to do something against your will just to fit in? Peer pressure is a common challenge for students, and understanding how to navigate it is essential for personal growth and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore vital lessons that all students should grasp about how to manage it effectively.

Picture this scenario: You’re at a gathering, and your friends are urging you to try alcohol for the first time. You don’t want to disappoint them or feel excluded, but you’re aware that it’s not something you’re comfortable with. What’s the best course of action?

At its core, negitive pressure revolves around the desire for acceptance and fitting in. It can impact your decisions, actions, and even your self-perception. However, it’s crucial to remember that your individuality and values hold significance as well.

The Influence of Negative Peer Pressure on Students

Peer pressure possesses considerable influence over students’ behaviors and choices. Often, young individuals encounter situations where their peers encourage them to make decisions that conflict with their values. Understanding the ramifications of negative pressure is imperative for every student.

Stress, Anxiety, and Peer Pressure

Negative pressure can induce significant stress and anxiety among students. Fear of social rejection may drive individuals to engage in behaviors they’re uncomfortable with. This stress can adversely affect their mental well-being and potentially harm their academic performance.

Decision-Making

Peers exert substantial influence over the decision-making process. Students who succumb to negative pressure may partake in activities that are detrimental or counterproductive. This can include experimenting with substances, skipping classes, or engaging in risky behaviors. These choices can have enduring consequences on academic outcomes and personal development.

Impact on Self-Esteem and Identity:

Negative pressure often targets a student’s self-esteem and sense of identity. The need to conform and gain acceptance may lead individuals to compromise their values or beliefs. This can detrimentally affect their self-confidence and overall self-concept. Students must recognize the importance of prioritizing their well-being over peer approval.

Academic Consequences:

Yielding to negative peer pressure can directly impact academic performance. Students who prioritize social acceptance over their studies may neglect their responsibilities, resulting in poor grades, missed assignments, and a decline in overall academic achievement. Striking a balance between social connections and academic goals is pivotal for success.

Building Resilience and Assertiveness:

Developing the ability to identify situations is an essential life skill. Students who can resist the influence of negative peers and make decisions congruent with their values and aspirations build resilience. Establishing a robust support network consisting of positive peers, mentors, and trusted adults can assist students in honing these skills.

Conclusion: Navigating Peer Pressure

Understanding the repercussions on students is vital for personal growth and academic success. By acknowledging the consequences of negative peer influence, young individuals can make informed choices aligned with their values and goals. The first lesson to embrace is the power of self-confidence. Students need to foster strong self-esteem, empowering them to resist negative and make independent decisions. This can be achieved by setting attainable goals and cultivating a supportive network of friends and mentors.

What are the effects of peer pressure on students? Peer pressure can significantly impact students’ academic outcomes, leading to poor choices and diminished academic achievement.

What can students do to resist? Students can resist by being aware of its various forms, maintaining a calm and rational demeanor when faced with tough decisions, and understanding that everyone makes mistakes, and there’s no shame in acknowledging them.

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Peer Pressure — Peer Pressure and It’s Tremendous Effects on Academic Performance

Peer Pressure and It's Tremendous Effects on Academic Performance

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Published: Feb 11, 2023

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Literature review, how does peer pressure affect student.

Peer Pressure as One of the Main Teenagers Problem Problem Solution Essay

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This paper tackles one of the initiatives that can be undertaken to bring change to the teenagers. It will focus on teenagers facing peer pressure. Teenagers face several problems in today’s society (Fisher, 2003). These problems are widespread ranging from the use of drugs abuse, sex, alcoholism, to theft, among others (Ambrosino et al, 2007).

Teenagers need help to get rid of the problems and vices arising from peer pressure because there are some who care about their well-being out of all the teenagers negatively impacted by peer pressure (Fisher, 2003). This initiative aims to provide youth with a secure environment. In addition, it helps them receive life guidance, realistic information, instructive tutoring as well as take part in esteem building activities.

This initiative will be implemented in various ways that will ensure it is functional. A special group with responsibilities of setting up new regulations and principles will be constituted. The initiative will begin by encouraging parents to take an active part in the daily developments of their teenagers (Fisher, 2003).

The constituted group will conduct lectures that will ensure that families and close relatives know the constraints and challenges teenagers face and how to handle these problems. The presence of volunteers will also play an important role; they will directly be involved with teenagers under peer pressure influences such as drug abuse.

A social workers role among the youth is restricted to investigations on the influences of family and education to a teenager’s development (Ambrosino et al, 2007). It is noticeable that the poor support offered by family and friends is a major reason to why teenagers are unable to resist peer pressure. The introduction of a healthy social and psychological environment in schools is a program that will be implemented to help curb negative effects of peer pressure.

This initiative is targeted at making positive impacts in the community. The mission will linger on suitable techniques that will effect these changes (Nucci, 2008). This initiative will begin with setting up moral and character standards among the teenagers. The initiatives vision is firmly connected with cultivation of new moral handiness and social capabilities that will ensure teenagers to defy harmful impacts of peer pressure.

This will require redefining previously set ethical and moral standards in the society to be able to know what went wrong. Efforts by parents to help curb teenage peer pressure will also be looked into at this point. The change will then be implemented by giving relevant instructions to both parents and volunteers on how to tackle negative effects of peer pressure. The coordination between parents and volunteers will ensure correct measures are put in place to curb the problem.

The use of recreational facilities will also ensure proper developmental training is offered to the teenagers. The community also plays an important role by ensuring any cases of social misconduct such as drug abuse. The community should, therefore, be directly linked to this initiative. The communities of interest should provide targeted groups of moral and psychological background.

At a school level, not only teenagers are influenced into misbehaving but also young children. The initiative will ensure that school counselors pay attention to all these groups. The initiative is laid down based on a five-action strategy (Nucci, 2008). This approach ensures the teenagers are encouraged, the sensitive areas are identified, and all programs and workforce needed to fulfill the programs that will ensure the problem is solved collectively, are put in place. If all this is done systematically then the initiative will be successful.

Ambrosino, R., Heffernan, J., and Shitlesworth, G. (2007). Social Work and Social Welfare: An Introduction. US: Cengage Learning.

Fisher, D. (2003). Assets in Action: A Handbook for Making Communities Better Places to Grow Up . Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute.

Nucci, L. (2008). Handbook of Moral and Character Education . US: Taylor & Francis.

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Peer Pressure in Youngsters Essay | Essay on Peer Pressure in Youngsters for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Peer Pressure in Youngsters Essay:  Peer pressure is a direct or indirect influence on an individual, which forces them to change their behaviours and attitude so that the influencing groups are satisfied.

During the adolescent stage of an individual, peer pressure is one of the most vital indicators in behavioural problems. Peer pressure from a lousy association during youth can lead an individual into a very horrid situation and hamper one’s whole career.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long and Short Essays on Peer Pressure in Youngsters for Students and Kids in English

We provide students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic of Peer Pressure in Youngsters for reference.

Long Essay on Peer Pressure in Youngsters 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Peer Pressure in Youngsters is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

In the social and emotional development of youngsters, peers play a huge role. Their influence starts at an early stage and increases throughout their teenage years. A child needs to have an honest and healthy relationship with their friends and rely on them to grow and mature together.

There are many positive and supportive outcomes of having peers to help a child develop new skills or stimulate interests in extracurricular activities or studies. But peers can also have negative influences. They might encourage each other to cheat, steal, share inappropriate materials online, use drugs and alcohol, or even involve in other risky behaviours.

The majority of the cases of teens with substance abuse reports start using drugs or alcohol due to peer pressure. The pressure can take place either in person or through social media platforms.

The main reason a youngster gives into peer pressure is that they want to fit in and be liked by kids his age, and they face anxiety issues about being left out if they don’t go along with the group. The youngsters perform a task that he is not willing to due to the frustrating peer pressure.

Peer pressure lands a negative impact on an individual as a person must be of the mindset of listening to himself first and considering decisions favourable to himself. Peer pressure faced during an individual’s youth can hamper a student’s studies and career if not averted at the right time.

You can now access Essay Writing on Peer Pressure In Youngsters and many more topics.

As youngsters nowadays are significantly influenced by celebrities, so in a way, these people also become their peers. As a result, they do things done by the stars, smoking, and drugs in significant cases. In a way, this also hurts an individual’s growth.

Based on research, an average of 34% of teens has done drugs, and 71% of teens already have tried alcohol by the end of higher-secondary school. So from the results, we can say that most or all adolescents would try to get their hands on drugs and alcohol due to the massive peer pressure they face.

Before getting influenced by any of the peers, it is essential to judge any deed result. Moreover, one should always prioritize his thoughts and wants before getting influenced by peer pressure and should always be secondary.

Adolescence is a stage when a youngster desires adult-like treatments as they begin to look like an adult on the exterior, but the interior can be easily influenced. Taking advantage of these situations, many peers encourages criminal activities, aggression, and other antisocial behaviours.

The only way to stop these aggressive behaviours among youngsters caused by peer pressure is by teaching kids tips about saying no when required and staying away from peers who pressure them to do things that they are not comfortable doing or dangerous. They have to spend time with other kids who can say no to peer pressure and always consult any adult they trust if they have a problem resisting peer pressure. The parents and teachers should pay attention to the kids to communicate with them if they face any difficulties.

Short Essay on Peer Pressure in Youngsters 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Peer Pressure in Youngsters is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

A genuine issue affecting many of the youngsters of the world is peer pressure. Teens often end up in the wrong directions due to the misleading advertisements offered by society. Nowadays, children face many sorts of forces, including smoking, staying past their curfew times, drinking, and even performing intercourse even if they are not ready.

Sometimes all these pressures are given by peers they trust. Either from schoolmates or friends, peer pressure forces a person to behave, act, and look at situations in a certain way. A child should always find someone with whom they can talk if they face peer pressure.

There are ways to fight peer pressure even if they seem extremely strong and irresistible. Many research types have shown how peer pressure alone can change someone’s mind from what they know is right to something very wrong. Self-confidence and inner strength to stand firm, resist, and walk away are required to halt peer pressure from taking place.

10 Lines on Peer Pressure in Youngsters Essay in English

FAQ’s on Peer Pressure in Youngsters Essay

Question 1. What are the six primary types of peer pressure?

Answer: The six-primary types of peer pressure are: a) Direct peer pressure b) Indirect peer pressure c) Negative peer pressure d) Positive peer pressure e) Spoken peer pressure f) Unspoken peer pressure.

Question 2. How can peer pressure be so assertive?

Answer: It is natural for individuals, especially youths, to compare themselves to their peers as they consider how they want to be or how they want to achieve something their peers already have. Peer influences individuals as they want to fit in and be like the peers they admire. This is why peer pressure is so powerful.

Question 3. Is peer pressure always negative?

Answer: Peer pressure is not always negative because not all peers pressure teenagers to commit crimes and engage in unhealthy behaviour. Peer pressure, in many cases, has positive effects in an adolescent’s life, and it can be considered as a reasonable force.

Question 4. How does peer pressure begin in the case of youngsters?

Answer: Peer pressure may start as wanting and forcing other children to play the game they want to play in early childhood. It generally increments through childhood and reaches its heights in the teen years.

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What to Know About Peer Pressure

It's not as simple as just saying no

• Positive Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure vs. Parental Influence

Peer pressure beyond childhood.

Have you ever been pressured to have "one more drink," or stay out later than you said you'd be home? If so, you've been a victim of peer pressure—chances are, most of us have. Peer pressure is the process by which members of the same social group influence other members to do things that they may be resistant to, or might not otherwise choose to do.

Peers are people who are part of the same social group, so the term "peer pressure" refers to the influence that peers can have on each other. Usually, the term peer pressure is used when people are talking about behaviors that are not considered socially acceptable or desirable, such as experimentation with alcohol or drugs. According to child and adolescent psychiatrist Akeem Marsh, MD , "it’s very easy to be influenced by peer pressure as we humans are wired as social creatures."

sturti / Getty Images

Though peer pressure is not usually used to describe socially desirable behaviors, such as exercising or studying, peer pressure can have positive effects in some cases.

What Is an Example of Peer Pressure?

Peer pressure causes people to do things they would not otherwise do with the hope of fitting in or being noticed.

For adolescents, peer relationships are the most important of all thus leading to an increased susceptibility to peer pressure.

Things people may be peer pressured into doing include:

• Acting aggressively (common among men)
• Bullying others
• Doing drugs
• Dressing a certain way
• Drinking alcohol
• Engaging in vandalism or other criminal activities
• Physically fighting
• Only socializing with a certain group

Peer pressure or the desire to impress their peers can override a teen or tween's fear of taking risks, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Kids. Risky behavior with drugs and/or alcohol may result in the following:

• Alcohol or drug poisoning
• Asphyxiation
• Driving under the influence (of alcohol or other drugs)
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Behavioral Addiction

People can also feel an internal pressure to participate in activities and behaviors they think their peers are doing, which can put them at risk for the following behavioral addictions:

• Food addiction
• Gambling addiction
• Internet addiction
• Sex addiction
• Shopping addiction
• Video game addiction

In the case of teens, parents are rarely concerned about the peer pressure their kids may face to engage in sports or exercise, as these are typically seen as healthy social behaviors. This is OK, as long as the exercise or sport does not become an unhealthy way of coping, excessive to the point of negatively affecting their health, or dangerous (as in dangerous sports).

What starts out as positive peer pressure may become negative pressure if it leads a person to over-identify with sports, for example, putting exercise and competition above all else.

If taken to an extreme, they may develop exercise addiction , causing them to neglect schoolwork and social activities, and ultimately, use exercise and competition in sports as their main outlet for coping with the stresses of life. This can also lead to numerous health consequences.

What Are Examples of Positive Peer Pressure?

We tend to hear more about the potentially negative effects of peer pressure. But the reality is, peer pressure can also be positive. For instance, two friends might put positive pressure on each other to go to the gym together and stay accountable for their fitness goals.

Teens who volunteer in their community can keep each other motivated to participate. This involvement can lead to exposure to role models and eventually lead to the teens becoming positive role models themselves.

You can also positively peer pressure others by the way you respond to situations. For instance, if your friend is body-shaming another person, you can say, "Actually, it can be really harmful to criticize people's bodies like that."

In turn, your friend might reconsider criticizing people based on their appearance. By simply adhering to your own values and sharing them with a friend, you can positively peer pressure them to think before making a negative comment.

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, 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.

Role modeling good emotional self-regulation may also help your child stick to their own values when it comes to peer pressure. Self-regulation involves the ability to control thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to manage current behavior and achieve long-term goals.

This will teach your child positive ways of solving problems and coping with uncomfortable feelings , rather than trying to escape by doing things to fit into a crowd. Parents can balance the peer pressure to take potentially harmful risks by ensuring they set appropriate boundaries, provide support, and help avoid risks. A few examples:

• Pick up your child from events where alcohol or drugs may have been consumed.
• Provide balanced, truthful information on issues such as alcohol and drug use.
• Stay involved in your child's life. Believe it or not, you are one of their biggest influences and they listen when you talk.
• Urge the importance of thinking before doing. Teach teens to ask themselves questions like: Could this harm me or someone else? Will this put my health or safety at risk? Is it legal? What are the long-term consequences for my health, family, education, and future?

As parents, we must be mindful of the impact of peer pressure on ourselves as our children will be observing and take notice.

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure because they are at a stage of development when they are separating more from their parents' influence, but have not yet established their own values or understanding of human relationships or the consequences of their behavior.

They are also typically striving for social acceptance and are more willing to engage in behaviors against their better judgment to be accepted.

However, adults are also vulnerable to peer pressure. Many adults are susceptible to drinking too much because their friends are doing it, or putting work before family because they're competing with other people in their office for a promotion.

Being aware of, and carefully choosing the influence of peers that will lead to healthy and happy experiences is a lifelong process.

How to Deal With Peer Pressure

Dealing with peer pressure can be difficult, but below are some ways to help address it.

Take Your Time

Instead of quickly agreeing to do something you'd rather not do, pause and take a few deep breaths . If someone is waiting for you to answer them, tell them you need to take a few days and think about it. It's easier to resist the pressure when you put some time and space between yourself and the situation.

Consider Your Reasons

When you're faced with a choice, ask yourself what your reasons are for doing something. If it's because all of your friends are doing it and you're afraid they won't talk to you if you don't join them, then you may want to reconsider.

You deserve to surround yourself with supportive people who respect your decisions—not people who pressure you into doing something that doesn't feel right.

Set Boundaries

Saying "no" can be hard, but it's necessary to set healthy boundaries in relationships . If someone persistently pressures you to do something, you can try telling them how it affects you.

For instance, you might say something like, "It upsets me when you offer me a cigarette when you know I don't smoke. I won't be able to keep hanging out with you if you don't respect my answer."

Offer an Alternative

It's possible that a friend who is peer pressuring you simply wants to spend more time with you or connect with you, but they don't know how else to ask.

If they pressure you to do shots with them at the bar when you aren't drinking, for example, you might suggest that you both hit the dance floor instead. Or maybe, you make a plan to go on a hike or to the movies the next time you hang out. That way, you're fulfilling both of your needs in a mutually beneficial way.

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Stanaland A, Gaither S. “Be a man”: The role of social pressure in eliciting men’s aggressive cognition . Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2021;47(11):1596-1611. doi:10.1177/0146167220984298

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National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens. Why Does Peer Pressure Influence Teens To Try Drugs? .

Pamela Rackow, Urte Scholz, Rainer Hornung.  Received social support and exercising: An intervention study to test the enabling hypothesis .  British Journal of Health Psychology , 2015;20(4):763. doi:10.1111/bjhp.12139

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By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. 

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