Peer Pressure

"Come on! Everyone is missing Maths class. Let's do so too!" says the coolest child in the class. Do you do what you know is correct and go for the Math class or do you give in and go with them?

This is what we call ‘Peer Pressure’. The basic idea is that what everyone is doing can influence children to leave their better judgement, or common sense and run with the group. Peer pressure is how adolescents’ activities are shaped by wanting to feel that they belong to a group of peers. 

Peer pressure can be both positive as well as negative though. For example, children might be influenced to become more confident, seek new activities, or to get more involved with school. But it can be negative as well. Some children might choose to try things which are inappropriate, such as taking part in antisocial behaviour.

Coping well with peer pressure is about getting the right balance between being yourself and fitting in your group. And this can be done by giving them proper guidance. Friend’s are the family that we choose. So, we should always surround ourselves with peers who will lift us higher and help us make good decisions.

Because, when you are saying ‘Yes’ to others, make sure you are not saying a ‘No’ to yourself.