Peer pressure is choosing to do something you would not otherwise do. People are influenced by their peers because they want to fit in, be like their peers, or own things their peers have. Peer pressure can lead to many negative things such as fighting, skipping school, substance abuse, and health problems.
Peer pressure leads to poor life choices.
Peer pressure can be hard on the body. Not only physically, but mentally. Peer pressure can change the way someone thinks about themselves or even others. People can influence them to be a different person or change their personality. It can cause depression, suicidal thoughts, or drug abuse. According to Teen Savers seventy percent of teens who smoke started because they felt pressured to try it or had friends who smoked.
Peer pressure can also be bad for education. It can affect grades, behavior at school, and study habits. It can lead to not working hard in school or even dropping out. For example, friends might convince their friend to go to a party rather than do their homework, causing their grades to drop.
It can influence how someone treats others and the way someone is treated. It can cause physical fights and bullying. It is important to not let peer pressure end friendships. This can be represented through a phenomenon called “FOMO” or “Fear of Missing Out”. For example, if everyone else dislikes a person and gossips, one might be pressure to join in on bullying the person.
Some might say peer pressure can be positive but everyone should be independent. If someone is not independent then they will become reliant on others. If their outside motivation and praise is taken away from them they would not know what to do.
Peer pressure needs to be talked about more often with friends and family. Talking to friends and family can help better understand how to say no to peer pressure and raise awareness.
Peer pressure causes flawed choices in one’s behavior. It’s bad for one’s body, education, and social life. The best way to combat peer pressure is by talking about it.
