Is peer pressure always negative? Its impact on life, and how to overcome if it becomes negative

 

Is peer pressure always negative? Negative effects and how to counteract them

 

Peer pressure typically has a negative connotation. However, we all pretty much conform. You can't have a society if everyone doesn't follow some kind of rule, whether it's actual laws or social cues that aren't said. The pressure you get from your peers is just one layer of those rules. That can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on what it forces you to do.

 

When exactly does peer influence really begin to manifest itself?

 

Peer influence can be seen as early as when a child is a toddler. Children begin to notice, interact with, and engage in parallel play with their peers. When they play with others but aren't yet playing with them, this is the time. At that age, it clearly has little to do with conformity or pressure. However, you'll notice that this desire to connect with others is present even in preschoolers.

 

What good effects does peer pressure have?

 

 

Peer pressure can be extremely beneficial if the behaviors themselves are positive.

Friends can:

 

·         Create new interests in school, sports, reading, music, art, etc. by assisting one another in learning new skills.

·         Push each other and have healthy competition.

·         Help each other learn to follow the rules, work together, and be flexible.

·         Resist dangerous impulses when a child is considering doing something that could hurt them or others.

 

What are the negative effects of peer pressure?

 

Because they can be harmful, we are generally much more familiar with the negative effects of peer pressure.

 

Peers may offer advice to one another to:

·         Use drugs, alcohol, or steroids

·         Share inappropriate material online

·         Engage in sexually risky behaviors

 

Peer pressure also comes in subtle forms, such as speeding or acting recklessly while driving. One child might tell another that to fit in, they have to make fun of certain people or that "real men" or "real women" behave in a certain way. Peer pressure in its simplest form can be particularly harmful. 

 

This is because they can influence a child's sense of self-worth and outlook on the world without always being obvious enough for teachers or parents to notice.

 

What distinguishes "peer presence" from "peer pressure"?

 

Even if no one is pushing them, adolescents may be more likely to take more risks when they are around their peers.

 

In one study, participants were required to navigate a driving video game.

Teens frequently took more chances when their friends were watching.

Teenagers continued to take more chances despite the inability to communicate with friends outside the room who were watching on a monitor.

 

Regardless of their circumstances, adults took the same number of chances.

As a result, it didn't matter how much verbal pressure was applied to adolescents. They may even increase their risk-taking when they are aware of their peers' presence.

 

Five ways to help kids prepare for peer pressure: 

 

1. Engage in candid conversation.

 

No matter the subject, let your kids know they can come to you if they feel pressured.

 

2. Be a good role model.

 

Demonstrate to your children how healthy relationships and making decisions should be.

 

3. Teach children how to assess relationships.

 

Consider explaining to your children why you decided to say "no" to something unhealthy in your own life.

 

4. Boost their self-assurance.

 

Positive self-esteem makes children less susceptible to peer pressure.

 

5. Teach them to believe what they feel.

 

Learn the distinction between right and wrong for your children. Remind them that they can act more confidently if you are aware of the right course of action.

 

Final thoughts

 

In conclusion, if you're worried, talk to your child first. Talking to your primary care physician, who can connect you with a local child and adolescent health team or another qualified professional, is the next step.

 

Suave Concierge’s professionals will help you with that. We can offer you stress therapy and full support as you recover from it.

So, get started by contacting us right away!