The best way to deal with peer pressure is to educate teenagers on how it affects them. Companion influence is when you choose to do something that you can't do otherwise because you want to feel accepted and valued by your friends. It's not just about doing something against your will.
I often hear the word "pressure from peers". But peer influence is a better way to explain how teen behavior is shaped by wanting to belong to a friend or fellow group.
The effects of peer pressure can be positive in both adolescents and adults. For example, your child might be influenced to become more assertive, try new activities, or get more involved with the school. But it can be negative too. Some teenagers might choose to try things they normally wouldn`t be interested in, such as smoking or taking part in antisocial activities.
Peer influence might result in children:
• choosing the same clothes, hairstyle, jewelry as their friends
• listening to the same music or watching the same TV shows as their friends
• changing the way they talk, or the words they use
• breaking rules
• working harder at school, or not working as hard
• dating or taking part in sexual activities
• smoking or using drugs Another best strategy in Coping well with peer influence is about getting the balance right between being yourself and fitting in with your group.
Some children are more likely to be negatively influenced by peers, for example, children who have poor self-esteem, who feel they have few friends, and who have special needs. These children may feel accepted by the social group only if they adopt the behavior, attitudes, and appearance of the group.
Highly self-respecting children can tolerate the negative effects of their peers. If your child is happy with their nature and the choices they make, they are less likely to be influenced by others. Self-esteem helps build good relationships, and positive friendships also help self-esteem. It is virtually possible to help your child deal with peer pressure and peer influence. You may also be worried that your child may not be able to say no when you are under pressure to try dangerous things like smoking. But listening to the same music and dressing like friends does not necessarily mean doing the same antisocial or dangerous things.
Your child can do what his friends can, but not others. You too will affect your child, especially in the long run. If your child has a strong sense of himself and their values, they are more likely to know the limits when assessing risk. Knowing that every teenager deserves love and patience is in our greatest interest and also raises the hearts of children to help or build a wealth of self-confidence in themselves. Given the proper guidance, peer pressure can be a major motivator.