Givin’ in

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peer pressure is very common at BA

 

Most BA students are aware of peer pressure. It is a common problem among all teens, not just at BA. Peer pressure is defined, according to Wikipedia, as influence that a group or individual exerts that encourages others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to group norms.

 

A BA Sophomore recalled an incident where she felt pressured to do things she normally wouldn’t do.

“I have been put in many situations where I was under peer pressure. One day it was my friend and i at a party and everyone was smoking and drinking. I never smoked or drunk before. My friend told me to smoke marijuana or I was “lame”. Everybody just kept telling me to come on and hit it just once. So I hit it once and couldn’t stop. Then they dared me to take a shot. If you are at a party then you are most likely to get influenced on what is going on around you,” she said.

Peers influence you even if you don’t know it. You see them and learn from them. Peers can have a positive influence on you.

 

On the other hand, it can be a negative thing.

 

Some negative peer pressure includes:

 

 Drugs

·Skipping school

·Drinking alcohol

·Being encouraged to fight

·Being dared to steal

·Bullying or teasing others

·Wearing clothes you don’t like to be like others

 

Some positive peer pressure includes:

·Tutoring other students / sharing your knowledge                                                                                                                 ·Avoiding drugs

·Respecting others

·Being honest

·Going to class everyday

 

Some kids give in to peer pressure because they want to “fit-in” or they worry that other kids will make fun of them if they’re “different”. Others are just wanting to try something new because they see others doing it. The idea that “everyone is doing it” can influence kids to leave their style behind.

 

Resisting can be difficult for many young people. One BA Sophomore admits that she gave in to peer pressure after constant pressure from “friends”.

 

“My friends always smoked and they wanted me to join them and I always said no until recently,” she said.

The smart thing for teens to do is stay away from those people who would try to influence them in a negative way.

A BA Junior explains how she solved the problem of peer pressure.

“A friend told me to smoke a blunt and I said no. They asked me again and I refused and walked away, I haven’t talked to that person ever since.”