5 Things You Need to Know About Teens And Peer Pressure

1. C'mon, Everybody's Doing it

Teens can pressure each other into a variety of things--doing drugs, having sex, drinking, driving dangerously and shoplifting, just to name a few. The negative peer pressure may be as blatant as coaxing or it can be as indirect as inviting you to a party that has alcohol. Teenagers are usually warned about the facts on peer pressure, but they usually focus around the blatant kind of peer pressure. It's actually the sort that's difficult to define that's more common. Sometimes teenagers make subtle signs that let you know what you should be saying, wearing or how you should be acting.

2. Fitting in or Standing out?

The pressure to fit in is often overwhelming. Whether the teenage peer pressure is blatant or not, it reaches out to a kid's need to be accepted. If he doesn't conform, he thinks he'll be an outcast and feel awkward. When someone doesn't know how to act, they look to others for cues. The teens most likely to give in to peer pressure are those who are usually followers. Some teenagers can resist the urge and stand on their own two feet. Others, though, are more likely to give in to teenage peer pressure.

3. Growing up is Hard to do

Most every teenager will find themselves in a negative peer pressure situation at one point or another. Even if they have the best, most understanding friends in the world, they're going to end up having to make a decision that could make them unpopular among their friends. The positive side of this conflict is that it prompts them to look inside themselves for courage. It's important for teenagers to listen to their gut. If something feels wrong to do, then they shouldn't do it. As they make decisions like this, teenagers will grow into more responsible, self-reliant adults.

4. Plan of Action

Teenagers should plan ahead for possible negative peer pressure situations. If they're going to a party at a friend's house and they think there may be drugs or alcohol there, they should plan out what they'll say and how they'll handle the challenge. It's a good idea to practice the response. Every teenager should have a code phrase with their parents. That way they can call and say the code to get picked up. "No" may be difficult to say, but it's answer that good friends should accept without the need for an explanation. Teenagers have to learn how to say it. If they surround themselves with friends who share their moral code, it'll be easier to stand up against negative peer pressure. They can always blame their parents, if all else fails to get them out of a sticky situation.

5. On the Flip Side

It may not be commonly talked about, but teenagers have positive peer pressure, too. Kids offer each other acceptance and friendship which lead to long-lasting bonds. They set many good examples, such as excelling in school or on the athletic field. Teens don't have to even meet each other to be positive role models--think of all the athletes that inspire other teens.