We recently caught up with Youth Advisory Board member Abigail, talking to us about peer pressure – the different types of peer pressure, how it can impact you and how to handle it.
What is peer pressure?
Peer pressure is when someone feels pressured to act differently to fit in with their peers, for example, dressing differently. This has the potential to lead to unhealthy relationships with behaviours such as manipulation and belittling. This often happens due to a desire for acceptance, or a fear of rejection and can happen anywhere, in school, in your workplace, or even in social events.
There are four different types of peer pressure
- Unspoken peer pressure. when observations and interactions with others result in someone changing their behaviour. For example, a student notices that everyone else in the class is wearing school branded hoodies so they start wearing one too.
- Spoken peer pressure: when someone tries to persuade another person to do something or to act in a certain way. For example, if someone says, “come to the library for the test and it will help both of us”, this is peer pressuring someone else through spoken word to tell them to go to the library with them.
- Direct peer pressure: this is when clear instructions are given to someone to persuade them to do something, for example handing somebody a drink even though they’re not thirsty.
- Indirect peer pressure: similar to unspoken peer pressure, but it’s usually more subtle and not always on purpose, for example overhearing gossip about someone else then reacting to it to try to fit in.
Is peer pressure always a bad thing?
There are both positive and negative effects of peer pressure and, in some cases, peer pressure may encourage healthy habits. For example, studying or exercising, as well as building better social skills through peer engagement.
However, the negative effects of peer pressure may lead to risky behaviours, for example, smoking and drinking, as well as reducing someone’s self-confidence, for example, through stress and anxiety from trying to meet unrealistic expectations.
How to handle peer pressure
Learning to say “no” confidently is a great start. This may be easier by surrounding yourself with supportive friends. And you can recognise these supportive friends by getting familiar with the 10 signs of a healthy relationship. For example, are you and your friends showing trust and honesty in your relationship? Do you respect each other’s choices and share / respect each others values?
And of course, it is always important to seek help when needed. You can always talk to a friend, a family or your teachers when you feel overwhelmed.
Summary
In summary, peer pressure can be a double-edged sword, so it is important to recognise it and handle it wisely. If you can stay true to yourself and surround yourself with the right people, peer pressure can be an opportunity for growth, rather than impacting you negatively.