We often talk about the pressure we deal with in our day-to-day lives. But, do we talk or think about peer pressure? People can be happy and content with their lives. But the sense of dissatisfaction arises as soon as they start comparing their lives and materials with others. They want to “fit in” with their groups or the people they socialize with.
What is Peer Pressure?
Peer pressure is the way how peers (people sharing the same age group or social position) influence each other. This influence is so powerful that it can even lead to going on the wrong track. This influence results in a behavior change, change in attitude and values, to follow their peers.
Not many people know about peer pressure as something that can leave a strong psychological impact on one’s life. It psychologically affects a person to do things according to/or as done by their peers or like groups, to gain social validation. The person may or may not feel good personally about doing something under the pressure of their peers but at the same, the validation from them might feel rewarding.
The most affected group from peer pressure are children and adolescents. Children and adolescents pick up different habits, attitudes, and behavior according to their age. Children, as we know have a habit of imitating what they see happening, and accordingly, they pick up habits from there. A child might what the same kind of bag pack, tiffin box, or any such material stuff as they see in their friend’s circle. They might want a phone or imitate the walking or talking style as their parents, or any celebrities they like. It can be said that children usually pick up attitudes and behaviors that are important to them.
On the other hand, adolescents are the most vulnerable to peer pressure. At this age, the group they are in is of utter importance to them. They try to get in conformity to their peers’ ideas, styles, ideas, and values.
Peer pressure can have positive effects when people are pressured in a positive direction such as achieving excellent academic or any co-curriculum performance. However, the hunger for social acceptance and validation leads the youth to engage in risky and even at times illegal activities. They often fall prey to wrong deeds and get into alcoholism, drug abuse, life harm, or even sexual abuse.
Adolescence is a crucial and delicate age. Parents need to monitor their children’s activities, behavior, and attitudes. And, if any alarming signs are sensed, immediate action such be taken. However, the monitoring should not make the youth feel suffocated; unable to make any decisions on their own. It should be done in a way that the youth should feel free to talk about his/her feelings and problems with the parents.
Only shouting and scolding is not the solution to keep your child secured from peer pressure and its reputations, rather understanding the age and its impact is important. To keep youth away from the negative impacts of peer pressure, parental support and parental guidance are of utter importance.
Eduindex News 