As children grow into preteens and then into teenagers, they often become less dependent on the family and more dependent on their peers when it comes to making choices and developing morals and values. Peer pressure can have a positive effect when it encourages teens to develop social skills necessary for adulthood. Unfortunately, negative behaviors tend to travel through groups of teenagers, either due to actual peer pressure or the perception of pressure from friends. By having a close relationship with your teen and by providing supervision, you may be able to reduce the negative effects of peer pressure.
Negative Effects
Some behaviors that teens might pick up from their peers include smoking, drinking, having sex, excessive dieting and eating unhealthy foods. These behaviors can lead to addictions, teen pregnancy, eating disorders or obesity. Teens may also feel pressured to not try hard in school, to rebel against authority or to break rules, leading to poor grades or criminal involvement. In many cases, peer pressure may not be overt; it might only be perceived. Your teen may pick up bad habits in an effort to fit in or look cool, even if his friends are not actually engaging in these behaviors.
Positive Effects
Peer pressure can also be a good thing. Teens learn social norms from their peers. Socially awkward kids can learn how to fit in and communicate well with others by observing and emulating other teenagers. Similarly, self-confident teens can act as positive mentors and set good examples for others. A positive peer group that your teen fits into well can help boost her self-esteem; it might prevent her from engaging in harmful or risky behaviors.
Recommendations for Parents
Keeping the lines of communication open with your teen and keeping an eye on his activities are paramount to reducing the chances that he will fall in with a bad crowd or pick up undesirable habits, such as smoking or drinking. Talk about the dangers of these habits; discuss your own values. Ask open-ended questions about how your teen feels about these and other issues. In some cases, you may need to step in and restrict his contact with friends who are a bad influence, but try to understand your teen's point of view first. He may be able to act as a positive influence in their lives.
Coping Strategies
Teach your teen some strategies to use when she feels pressure from friends to do something that she does not want to do. Suggest that she use you as an excuse if necessary. Encourage her to call you at any time if she needs a safe ride home or finds herself in over her head; stress that she will not get in trouble.
