Wellbeing at Homestead
Every day matters
Peer pressure and teenagers
It’s normal for young people to worry about fitting in. Peer groups play an important role in young people’s lives, particularly during adolescence. ‘Peer pressure’ refers to the influence that these groups can have on how an individual thinks and acts. You can often find out who your child’s peers are by paying attention to who they socialise with and speak about. Supporting your child to recognise teen peer pressure, when it helps and hinders them, and how they can develop their own individuality, is an important role for parents.
How peer pressure works
A young person can experience peer pressure in varying degrees. Sometimes their peers may proactively influence them to behave in certain ways and at other times they may just be following along. Both of these situations are based on seeking approval, but it is also possible for peer pressure to be a result of bullying. This is when your child fears being teased or physically hurt for not conforming.
How does peer pressure affect teenagers?
You may associate peer pressure with negative outcomes such as your child trying alcohol. However, peer pressure can also allow certain groups to have positive influences on your child. There’s no way of knowing exactly how your child will be affected. Peer pressure can influence any area of your child’s life, from their taste in music to their choice of school subjects.
Positive effects of peer pressure include:
- a sense of belonging and support
- increased self-confidence
- introduction to positive hobbies and interests
- reinforcement of positive habits and attitudes.
Negative effects of peer pressure include:
- pressure to use alcohol, cigarettes or substances
- pressure to engage in risk taking behaviours
- distraction from schoolwork
- drastic changes in behaviour and attitudes.
How do I help my child overcome this?
A teenager saying ‘no’ can be pretty tough. See below 6 tips for avoiding peer pressure