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.
Peer pressure factoid The chances of a young person getting involved in criminal activity are increased if they have friends who have been in trouble with the law. Rizer.co.uk
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.
Written by Ali Cronin
Last updated 17th June 2007
Further help and advice
- Like It Is: advice on handling peer pressure.
- Teenadvice.com: quiz – 'Does peer pressure control you?'
- Or call ChildLine on 0800 1111 (free) or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (cost of a local call) 24/7 to talk about your problems.
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Liz, 15
Since I started secondary school I have never given in to peer pressure and I used to get bullied a lot for it, but now I am in a group of friends who respect me for who I am, I feel so much better. As long as you have the support of others who are like you and respect you, I think you can beat peer pressure.
Hannah, 14
I was in a group that tried 2 get me 2 smoke and called me a geek if I didn't so I walked away. My new friends are so nice and woulden't make me do anything that I didn't want to.
Jen, 15
I think everyone undergoes peer pressure at some point, but as you get older you will realise that you do not have to be like others to be 'cool' but you can do your own thing and be individual. :]
Lucy, 14
I think I have a good will power, if I really didn't want to do something however much someone tried to persuade me I wouldn't do it. If I knew it was wrong or dangerous I would tell them that I think their stupid and tell them the dangers.
Lily, 13
Peer pressure is horrible, I used to get it really bad from an old friend... now how ever because the things I did at school got so bad I moved schools so now its alot more easier and less pressure on me. For people who're being peer pressured learn to say "no" I didn't and i've regreted it ever since.
hannah , 11
peer pressure is wrong its a form of bullying and so it should not happen it should stop!people peer pressure because they either are bieng peer pressured them selfs our they cant be bothered to do what they want you to do!!!!!!!
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