 Teen peer pressure is the impact that teenagers that are the same age, or about the same age, have upon each other. This impact can be both good and bad. It depends on what group of teenagers your son or daughter is in with. For example, troubled teens that are involved in gang, take drugs and alcohol create bad peer pressure, and well adjusted teenagers with families that are involved in sports and other activities are good. Parents have to encourage their children to be friends with kids who have a positive effect on them. This will make it easier for them to stay on the right way.
That’s why many parents of teens worry about the influence their children’s friends can have. In other words, parents worry about what their children learn from their friends and the effects of peer pressure.
Why do Teens Give into Peer Pressure?
Every teenager wants to be popular, if your son or daughter is not accepted for what ever reason, they may give into peer pressure to fit in and have friends. You have to know that children worry about what other kids think, even if they say they don’t. It is reasonable that they don’t want to be the laughing-stock of the school. That’s why they give in and skip school, or they may be disagreeable to someone for no evident reason. They may begin to smoke or sip the alcohol, just to have friends and fit in.
Many parents notice such behavior of their children when they shut out their parents and want to spend more time with their friends. Then, they no longer want to talk to their parents about important issues such as sex, relationships and drugs. Teenagers believe that their teen mates are more influential role models.
Nevertheless, there is good news: actually, lots of young people want to hear about such things as sex, relationships and drugs from their parents rather than getting a twisted view from friends.
Tips for Parents
- From the early years of their childhood try to talk to your son or daughter about sex and relationships. Then by the time they are teenagers, they are used to open chat with parents and are more likely to come to you with their problems.
- Don’t criticize or make fun of their friends.
- You have to help your teen to say “no” to pressure. Try to explain your teen that they can have a mind of their own.
- You have to know that teens may have problems at school because of friends and there may be bullying involved. Ask you child if there is anything you can do to help and let them know you are always there to talk to.
- You have to talk to your teen about peer pressure and discuss how they would handle situations that they didn’t feel comfortable with.
- When your child goes to secondary school, you may not know their new friends. You may want to invite them round for a meal or pizza. In such a way you may get to know them in an informal setting. But you have to remember that they may not want you around too much, but meeting them, albeit fleetingly, is better than nothing.
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