Don’t Succumb To Peer Pressure

These days adolescents spend more time with their peers than with their parents. Some of them can never think of discussing issues about their reproductive health with their parents but are more comfortable discussing them with their peers.

Many adolescents, therefore, resort to confiding in their immature peers, whose advice may not be the best. This makes them to make wrong choices in life because they are often misled.

Peer pressure can be described as pressure from one's friends to behave in a manner similar to theirs or acceptable to them.

Adolescents experience both negative and positive influences from their peers.

Positive peer pressure gives the adolescent the opportunity to learn and practise new behaviours and social skills that he/she may encounter as he/she develops.

As an adolescent, you may find yourself in the midst of friends who may force you into doing things against your will, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, having sex, stealing, etc, just because they are practising them.

Bear in mind that the fact that someone is doing something does not mean it is the right thing to do.

Your parents are the best counsellors you can have when you need directions, but if you find it difficult to approach them with issues concerning your sexuality or social life, seek help from someone who is older and you feel comfortable with.

More often than not, when you refuse to conform to the behaviours of your friends/peers, they will isolate you, but don't be too disheartened by that.

Always take firm decisions and stand by them. In other words if you object to their moves, just say no and make sure you stick to that.

Always stand your ground when it comes to the values you believe in. Others who have similar misgivings about the group can join you once they find someone courageous to go against the group.

Avoid situations that you don't feel comfortable with and choose your friends wisely. If you move with people who share your values, chances are that you will not be forced into doing something against your will.

Always think about the consequences of something you are not sure about before you act. Pause for a while and ask yourself: Will it get me into trouble? Will it be harmful to my health?

Think about the reasons you will consider when you are doing something you are uncomfortable with. Is it to gain popularity? Although there is nothing wrong with gaining popularity, there are right and wrong ways to achieve it.

If you change your behaviour just to fit into a group, you are not being truthful to yourself. Learn to say NO, which sometimes tends to be difficult to do but is important if you want to successfully overcome negative peer pressure.

If your friends realise that you are not a push over, they will never impose anything on you. But if they find you to be the type who is easily influenced, they will always manipulate you.

Sometimes your parents may object to the friends you associate with because of their unacceptable lifestyles. Your parents know best so always listen to their advice and don't fall victim to negative peer pressure.

Story by Adeline Koramoah