How to Handle Peer Pressure? |Managing Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a commonly heard word among youth these days. Thinking about something or in some way or doing something because it is done by some other people is nothing but giving yourself into Peer pressure. A peer is someone about your age and pressure is what you feel when you aren’t sure about something but you feel like should do it anyway. It’s something everyone has to deal with, even adults.
When someone of your own age pushes you toward making certain choices which can be either good or bad, such a powerful feeling of pressure is called as Peer pressure.

This peer pressure can be in spoken and unspoken forms, and can lead to risky, disapproved, or personally unwanted behavior. Identify it, is the first step to resist the peer pressure. Students should be helped in identifying the peer pressure tricks. Peer pressure, which has been the “nightmare” of many parents, is the question of parental (in) ability in clash with peer influence. It shows its influence in different periods of life and growing up phases. Peer pressure is often seen as a threat that results in the inefficiency in achieving desired educational goals. Most often is associated with risky and problematic behaviors. It should be kept in mind that peer influence and development of their own identity has an unbreakable bond between them.

Are Peers Positive?

As one grows older, facing challenging decisions is a common thing. Some don’t have a clear right or wrong answer. Many of the other decisions involve serious moral questions. They can be like whether to cut class, try cigarettes, or lie to your parents etc. Though making decisions on your own is hard enough, when other people get involved and try to pressure you one way or the other, it can be even harder.

Peers can also have a positive influence on each other. Remember your friend who taught you an easy way to remember the diagram of digestive system or algebra formulae? You might admire a friend who is always a good sport or a great dancer or orator and try to be more like him or her. Everyone has other friends who are excited about a new favorite book that they might have shared with them. Some children give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they worry that other kids might make fun of them if they don’t go along with the group. Other kids just go along because they are curious to try something new that others are doing. It is commonly observed that the idea that “everyone’s doing it” can influence some kids to leave their better judgment, or their common
sense, behind.

Walking Away From Peer Pressure

Being the only one and standing tough to say “NO” to peer pressure takes a lot. But, you can really do it. When you are about to do something but doesn’t want to get influenced by peer pressure, pay attention to your own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong. This can help you to know the right thing to do. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm, walk away, and resist doing something when you know better. Having at least one other peer, or friend, who is willing to say “no,” to the peer pressure will also helps a lot. Find such a person.

This makes you feel easier to resist but takes a lot of the power to stand against peer pressure. When you don’t want to do something, you should also have great friends who have values similar to yours and who will back you.

Choose your friends wisely.

You must have heard from a parent or a teacher advice you to “choose your friends wisely.” The big reason for saying this is the constant Peer pressure you could be facing. If you choose friends who don’t use drugs, cut class, smoke cigarettes, or lie to their parents, or a kid in the neighborhood who might want you to shoplift with him, then you probably won’t do these things either, even if other kids do. Be ready to help a friend who’s having trouble resisting peer pressure. It can be powerful for one kid to be joined by another by simply saying, “I’m with you, let’s do it.”
Keep in mind that there are things that you can do, even if you’re faced with peer pressure while you’re alone. Be strong to resist and simply stay away from peers who pressure you to do stuff you know is wrong. Tell them a “no” as an answer and walk away. It is better to find other friends and classmates to pal around with. If you are being under constant peer pressure and finding it difficult to handle, it is better choice to talk to someone you trust, or an expert.

Never feel guilty if you’ve made some mistakes in the process. Having a talk with a parent, teacher, or school counselor can help you feel much better and prepare you for the next time you face peer pressure. Peer pressure cannot always be just a bad thing. For example, positive peer pressure can be used to pressure the ones who bully you and to act better towards the other kids. If a group of capable kids get together, peers can pressure each other into doing what’s right.

Practice to boost your self esteem

Self esteem is the way of thinking and feeling about you. Boost your Self-esteem to help to have the courage to try new things, like making new friends and going foe some new activities. With self-esteem, you believe in yourself.
Take a deep breath… think about yourself. You know your life has essential value. You are a marvelous being and your life is a gift. Value it. You believe in yourself and don’t let others affect your opinion of yourself. You accept feedback when appropriate without taking it personally and you welcome any information that can help you become a better person.
Again take a deep breath… Notice qualities about yourself that you don’t care for. Work toward changing them without judging yourself for having those qualities. Imagine that your confidence and self-esteem are growing and growing. You honor and respect the person you are. You know that good things can happen when you try your best.

Take a deep breath… Feel good about you. Stand up for yourself. Feel that you are really bold and confident. You are your best friend, always!!

Are you still feeling alone and helpless to get out of this peer pressure? Take the help of an expert. Our counselors help you to achieve your goals. With the online counseling therapy, you can connect with your psychologist from a remote place without any inhibitions. As anonymity and security of information is guaranteed, online counseling would be your bosom friend. Offline counseling services are also available according to your convenience.