“Come on! It’s Friday. There is a new release so we’re going to the movies. EVERYONE is bunking college. Let’s go!” says the coolest kid in your class. Do you do what you know is right and go to college. Or do you give in and go with your friends.
As you grow older you will face many such challenging decisions. Some may not have clear right or wrong answer like what subject to study or college to go to? Or some may have serious moral issue like lie to your parents and teachers; take your first puff of cigarette, get involved in physical relationship. Making decisions on your own is difficult. People who are of your own age, like your classmates are called peer. When they try to influence you how to act, to get you to do something, it’s called peer pressure.
Why do people fall victim to peer pressure
- Some people suffer from low self-esteem and confidence.
- The need to be liked by others, to fit in the group or to avoid being a laughing stock.
- Sense of curiosity to try something new that others are doing.
- The idea that “everyone’s doing it” and it is alright.
Walking away from peer pressure
- Be confident about your individuality. As said beautifully by Lydia Maria Child-Nature made us individuals as she did flowers and pebbles. Don’t be scared to be different.
- Listen to your inner feelings and the sense of right and wrong and BE FIRM.
- Choose your friends carefully. Find someone who can say NO too.
- Don’t hesitate to share your problem. Don’t feel guilty if you’ve made a mistake or two. TALK to someone you trust.
- Parents and teachers or school counselor can be very helpful.
Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.
Via: The Voice of Eagle, Volume 1, Issue 1, October 2012.
