Peer Pressure and its Impact on Students

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Peer Pressure

Schools and colleges are the hubs of peer pressure. Have you heard this very often? Are relatives, parents, siblings and everyone constantly reminding you of how fast this can drive you off of your path and hence, it is the one thing you need to avoid? Well, it’s not just that. Let’s start from the beginning.

What is peer pressure?

If it has to be defined, peer pressure is the influence on a person caused due to his/her peer group. To elaborate, it can be said that when a person changes his/her ways of lifestyle, perspectives, habits and similar things in accordance to that of the people that he chooses to stay around, he is said to do so under peer pressure.

What are the different types of peer pressure?

Although peer pressure is often referred to negatively, it is not the case always. Depending on the outcome, peer pressure can be classified as positive and negative. If the youth is convinced to do or adapt to something which turns out to benefit or help them grow healthily, the peer pressure is said to be positive. On the other hand, if he/she is convinced to do something that leads them on a path which is bound to be hazardous for them in one way or the other, the peer pressure is said to be negative.

For instance,

• If your group of peers encourage you to be a better person than you were yesterday, they truly are worth your time.
• A positive impact of peer pressure can be seen in a couple of ways. Your peers could be scoring very well and if the competition is taken positively, it could result in you working harder towards achieving your best.
• Peers who are kind, loyal, considerate and optimistic, influence the ones around them to be the same.
• The perspective of the ones around you towards life matters a lot. Irrespective of the troubles you all might be facing personally, if being around your peers makes you feel stronger, gives positive vibes and makes you believe that all of it is just a phase which will pass, you’re in the right group and there is no need to worry.
• Also, peers who despite your downfalls don’t discourage you, don’t leave your side and help you be a better version of yourself are indeed precious.
• However, the way you perceive it matters the most. No one is perfect. There are some flaws and difference in perspectives that each of us possesses. It is solely on us when it comes to which qualities we should imbibe and which we should not.
• We must be a strong believer in our do’s and don’ts.
• Very common examples of don’ts when it comes to peer pressure are smoking and drinking.
• Apart from that, today’s generation needs to understand the need of abstaining themselves from a couple more things such as being a bully to fit into their so-called ‘cool group’, taking those things lightly which they initially took on a quite serious note, losing themselves in the process of appealing peers around and above all, making decisions and choices based on other’s views.
• Taking suggestions are not bad but opposing your own heart and mind to live up to their expectations is absurd.
• One must know how to choose between what’s right and what’s wrong for himself.

What do we conclude?

Peer pressure plays an important role in the social and emotional development of students. It helps a person to have a better understanding of his/her opinions and feelings and hence, it increases their social skills. It is important to remember that it is not something permanent because it is completely your choice to make as to who you keep in your social circle and who you don’t. Even if one makes an unhealthy choice, it is never too late if he/she wishes to get back on track and start over.

I hope you find this article helpful to get a wider outlook about peer pressure and wish you best of luck for everything that is yet to come your way.