How to Handle Peer Pressure

Written By Colēgia

Peer pressure is something that any student can experience regardless of what grade they are in. Sometimes it may be positive peer pressure, other times it may be negative. Today we want to take some time to figure out how to handle this.

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Understanding Peer Pressure

What is peer pressure exactly? One way to define it is that it is the sort of influence within a social group from the members within. An example of this would be other students who want you to do something. This can come in several forms such as spoken and unspoken peer pressure which involves verbally or nonverbally influencing someone else. This can be something along the lines of telling someone to do an activity or refusing to talk to someone unless they are part of the same clique. There is also direct and indirect peer pressure which focus more on behavior instead of communication. This can include seeing others partaking in an activity that you may feel inclined to join just to fit in. Lastly there is negative and positive peer pressure.

“One way to define it is that it is the sort of influence within a social group from the members within.”

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Negative Peer Pressure

Negative peer pressure is something that students need to be able to recognize and address sooner rather than later. Negative peer pressure can lead to a slew of behaviors that may go against an individuals ethics and thoughts. If you feel that a group or even an individual is doing this, it is worth seeking out help such as a teacher or counselor. Chances are that there are other students who feel the same way. Other ways to handle this are to remove yourself from groups that disempower you and seek out others that make you feel good in their presence. Sometimes you may not have a choice when it comes to peer pressure such as if they are other students that are part of a group assignment for example. In that instance you can choose to focus on the tasks at hand rather than the communication that is being highlighted to help everyone mutually be on the same page. Each group isn't permanent but sometimes you may have to do your best to manage to see things through.

“In that instance you can choose to focus on the tasks at hand rather than the communication that is being highlighted to help everyone mutually be on the same page.”

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Positive Peer Pressure

The other side of peer pressure is known as positive peer pressure. This works in a different manner than the other methods in that the behaviors and actions encourage positive action that is not only to the groups benefit, but for the individual as well. This type of dynamic is good in that it is respectful towards different boundaries and views while also helping people be their best possible selves. A good example of this can be a sports group who coaches and mentors each other during exercises to help with any areas a peer may be struggling with. This can also be done in a study group for students who need help for a certain topic. Keeping an open line of communication along with healthy values are key when it comes to positive peer pressure.

While peer pressure can be a complicated issue there are ways for it to have a good result for students. Being mindful of how others feel is important and this holds true for both forms of peer pressure.

Colēgia

Colēgia

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