Written by: Nahom Mamo
Everyone has a peer group. Peers might be people your age who share comparable interests and life experiences. Peers might also be other kids your age who participate in the same activities as you or are members of the same community or friend group. Even if you don't consider all of your classmates to be friends, they may all have an impact on you.
Peer pressure may be beneficial or harmful. When peer pressure is positive, it motivates you to perform at your highest level. Negative peer pressure occurs when a friend or a member of your group makes you feel obligated to do something in order to be accepted. It's the peer pressure that's causing the problem. When we hear the term "peer pressure," we usually think of when you succumb to negative peer pressure, you frequently feel guilty or disappointed in yourself for behaving contrary to your views or principles.
The following are some examples of negative peer pressure:
The requirement to dress or act in a specific manner.
Cheating, copying someone else's work, or allowing others to duplicate your work are all examples of plagiarism.
Certain persons are excluded from social activities.
When driving, taking unsafe risks.
Using or abusing drugs or alcohol.
Theft or shoplifting.
Bullying or cyberbullying is a form of bullying.
Using social media to project a false or deceptive picture.
What are some ways of dealing with negative peer pressure?
Pay attention to your emotions. If anything about a scenario doesn't feel right, it usually isn't. Even if your friends seem unconcerned with what's going on, the scenario might not be ideal for you.
Make preparations ahead of time. Consider how you might react in certain scenarios. Make a list of what you can say or do.
Talk to the person who is pressing you, tell him or her how you feel, and urge him or her to stop.
Make an excuse for yourself. It should be OK to say "no" without apologizing or providing an explanation. However, having a ready justification may make it simpler to say no. Perhaps claiming that you have a medical condition, such as asthma or allergies, that prevents you from taking anything. If you feel it would be better to leave the situation altogether, you may even say that your parents need you to return home.
Make friends with those who share your values and ideas. It's simpler to say "no" when someone else is saying it as well. It's simpler for both of you if you say "no" jointly.
Seek help from a responsible adult, such as a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor. A trusted adult can listen to you and provide ideas that could be effective in your circumstance.
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