OVERCOMING PEER PRESSURE

OUTLINE

• Introduction 
• Causes of Peer Pressure
• Effect of Peer Pressure
• How to overcome Peer Pressure

Introduction

Overcoming peer pressure seems to be a herculean task. However, it is not difficult as we presume. Man as a social being interact with fellow man in different sphere of endeavour like in business, career, education, politics, religion and even family which is the first agent of socialization. Through this interaction, we are faced with pressure from our peer. How we handle this pressure from our peer is vital and it could make or mar us.

Causes of Peer Pressure 

Friends 

These are people we share most of our time in school, church, home etc. We want to be associated and accepted by our friends at all cost in achieving this, we often think and feel that if we don't do what our friends do, we will be left out of the circle.

Poor Parenting Skills

Most parents do not cultivate the habit of making their children their best friends. Due to their parenting style, they create fear in children and a bridge in communication thereby making children and young persons to hide problems and things happening and affecting them. Most parents are not even bothered or show concern about their children's growth as they move from one stage to another, that is, from infant to teenage to adolescent. Children now run to their friends who may not have adequate knowledge to address such problems. Most bad behaviours begins from the home. Most children can't tell their parents anything about them, the exist no close bond or emotional ties between parents and children. Most parents are abusive and this influences children negatively. 

Environment 

Environment like school or our community where we were born and brought up either encourages or discourages peer pressure. A community that is prone to social vices and mishap could affect one negatively, if discipline is not upheld. An environment with peaceful coexistence could affect one positively. 

Low self-esteem/inferiority complex 

Often times, people with low self-esteem often feels bad or belittle themselves in one way or the other. This feeling most times lead to the notion of 'fitting in' to avoid depression, being left out and to avoid rejection and again social acceptance.

Hormonal inconsistencies

These factors cut across all ages, as we grow and move from stage to stage in life. The hormonal changes and the need to respond to these changes most time reflect how we react. 

Personal anxiety 

The state of our mind, that is the state of mental nervousness, obsession or concern about some uncertain events in life could pressurize us to act positively or negatively. 

Effect of Peer Pressure 

The effect of Peer Pressure is either positive or negative. 

Positive effects of peer pressure includes;

• Peer plays a vital role in the shaping of our personality. Their lifestyle may influence us to change for better, peers could inspire us significantly. 
• Peer pressure can lead one to make the right choices in life. 
• Peer pressure helps one to analyse oneself and contemplate on the ways of life. This is achieved when one is able to change for better as a result of looking at what others do. 

Negative effect of peer pressure includes;

• Destroy one's self confidence and self-esteem: peer pressure brings about low self esteem and lack of confidence which in turn might impact a child's general wellbeing. 
• It affects a child's academics: this could be clearly visible and noticed when the pressure from peers is exerted. 
• Adopting unhealthy habits: adopting unhealthy habits from peers such as alcohol consumption, smoking, drug abuse affects a child or young people negatively. 
• Distances one from family and friends 
• It increases involvement in social vices and crimes like kidnapping, prostitution, robbery, cultism and other social vices. 
• It leads to poor decision-making and outcomes. 
• It leads to depression which could result in suicide. 
• It leads to a fall in the moral standards of the society. 
• It results in loss of values 
• It leads to death 

Solutions to Peer Pressure

• The word of God 
• Prayer 
• Having self confidence 
• Being firm in decision making 
• Being watchful 
• Making your parents and guardian your friend and seeking counsels from them. 
• Selecting or choosing good friends 
• Not trying to please everyone. Be unique 
• By avoiding tempting situations 

Conclusion

Now that we are aware of the causes of Peer Pressure, its positive and negative effects and its solutions, we should strive to overcome Peer Pressure at all cost. We should battle and become victorious. We should be influenced positively by our peers and do away with the negative effects to become a better person in life.