Peer Pressure

 

Hello everyone and welcome back!

This is perhaps one of the most common terms we've come across at every stage of our lives - most of us are well acquainted with what it is too.

But just for a quick recap,
Peer pressure is the kind of social obligation you're bound to perform to fit into a particular group.
It may not necessarily be negative at all times, however, when used in context does mostly refer to the same.

I'll be discussing about the same in this post so without further ado, let's get to it!

I'm sure all of us at some point have had the 'peer pressure talk' with our parents. 
We've been warned against drinking before the legal age and smoking cigarettes (at any age) or doing any sort of illegal activities even if a lot of our friends or known people our age do.

The fact still lies that most people around the age of 11-13 have a tendency to disobey their parents and just assume whatever their peers are endorsing in as more valuable. This is one of the bigger reasons why most kids prefer their friend's advice over their parents.

Peer Pressure in Teenagers

It normally starts with something lowkey like cursing and knowing 'double meanings'.
Almost everyone in my grade had their 'cringe phase' back in 6th grade where we were influenced by using cool slangs and it definitely reflects on us 5 years later now.
I was exposed to it too and became a victim to the same but only a lot later did I realize it - once people started endorsing in something new, something worse.

If you're a parent reading this, trust me when I say, even if you think your child may not be exposed (if not using it), they definitely are.

Most teens strive for social acceptance which leads them do doing stuff which may not be right.

However, it's not always that bad.

Positive Peer Pressure

This normally includes good habits inculcated by friends.

For me, it was watching ted talks :)
They're super insightful and helpful (and I'll be writing a post on my ted talks recommendations soon so #promotions)

It leads to exposure to healthy lifestyles and role models, and eventually leading the young person to becoming a positive role model themselves.

Fitting in feels good. 
And it's important you fit into a group where you can actually become a better person, along with your friends.
They support you in your overall growth towards developing into a good person. 

How to combat bad Peer Pressure?

I know it sounds SUPER clichéd, but find a good role model or rather a trusted person .
May not need to be an adult but someone of your age who you know is a good person underneath. 
A lot of people look up to their siblings - and I know this because my sister copies EVERY SINGLE THING I do!
(So there's no scope of me being a bad person in the equation, ever!)

Talk to your conscience and get it right. It's a very important skill to have. 

Learn to say no.

I know the above sounded like a random bullying workshop we had at school, but it did sort of influence me so I hope it does for you as well!

That was it for today's post! Hope y'all enjoyed it and found it relatable!

Don't forget to share and comment for more <3

Signing off,

Kuhu :)