Peer pressure is the power that members in the very same social group hold over one another. It’s also the phrase for the effect of this influence on a person’s need to conform in order to fit in with the group. Peers are frequently mistaken for friends, however, they can be any one of a comparable position, such as those who are the same age, have similar abilities, or have a similar social rank. Peer pressure can be from subtle to blatant, making some types of peer pressure easier to detect than others. Knowing how to spot symptoms that your child is being bullied might help you start a helpful conversation with them. Most children have considerable pressure to fit in, and they are incredibly prone to being teased, mocked, or shunned. As a result, they are frequently eager to do what their peers advise them to do. Peers will play a larger role in your child’s life as they get older. Friends can have an impact on anything from what music they listen to to what they wear to how they communicate.
The socialization process may have an impact on a young person’s receptivity to peer pressure. According to research, teenage guys are more sensitive to peer pressure to engage in risky activity. It is crucial to be ready to deal with peer pressure. Knowing how to recognize indicators of peer pressure can enable you to intervene if you suspect your child or someone you care about is on the verge of making a bad decision.
Some ways to handle peer pressure…
- Make them consider what they might be forced to do that they do not want to. Decide to deal with the stress ahead of time. Ask them to consider how they might get out of an uncomfortable circumstance. Make a list of people they could call for help.
- Make them come up with a ready-made reason for why they can’t do something they don’t want to do. Some families, for example, have an agreement that if their children text their parents a pre-determined word or phrase, the parent will phone to say something has come up and they must return home.
- People who share your beliefs are less likely to pressurise you into doing something you do not want to do.
- Assist your children in understanding which persons in their lives are trustworthy and available to them when they need to talk or get out of a difficult circumstance.
While peer pressure is not always a good thing, it is not always a terrible thing either. Peer pressure that is positive can be an important component of learning how to socialize and even maturing as a person. Encourage your children to come to you if they believe they are being subjected to negative peer pressure. Peer pressure is something that some children do not want to discuss with their parents. Do not take it personally if this is the case. Encourage them to speak with a trustworthy adult, such as a teacher, a school counselor, a doctor, or a therapist, about their concerns.Written By – Prashant Shukla (Growth Central VC)