Advice

People are often influenced to do things by the people around them; but peer pressure can land you in trouble. Get clued-up on peer pressure here, including tips on how to deal with it...

What is it?

Your peers are people the same as you in age and status. Peer pressure's when you do something because they've persuaded you to, or because everyone else is doing it and you're afraid you'll look like a sap if you don't join in.

Is it a bad thing?

You can learn a lot from your peers. They can help you develop your talents and give you support and motivation to succeed. On the other hand, people often end up doing stuff that's bad for them because of the influence of peer pressure, like smoking, skiving or shoplifting.

Why do people give in to peer pressure?

Most people like to fit in and it's hard being the only one doing something different. Sometimes people are worried they'll be picked on if they don't go with the crowd, or they'll lose their friends. Other times people do stuff because they think their friends will like them more, or because their mates are doing it, so it seems normal.

What to do

You'll experience peer pressure all through life, so you'll be one step ahead if you learn to deal with it now.

• Choose your friends wisely. Focus on developing firm friendships with people with the same values and ideas as you. Even having one friend who'll back you up when you want to go against the group will help.
• Be strong: just go with what you know is right. Good friends respect your individuality. Stand up for what you believe in and you'll respect yourself more too.