When peer pressure is positive, it pushes you to be your best. Negative peer pressure is when someone who is a friend or part of a group you belong to makes you feel that you have to do something to be accepted. It’s the negative peer pressure that we usually think of when the phrase peer pressure is used. When you give in to negative peer pressure, you often feel guilty or disappointed with yourself for acting in a way that goes against your beliefs or values.

Kids and Bullying

ReachOut works with parents across Australia to develop content that helps them to support their young person. You could share some of these resources with your parent which of the following is a type of indirect peer pressure? community. Whether you need to apologise to someone, or to confront them about a negative situation, having a difficult conversation can be nerve-racking and scary.

Why diversity in classrooms matters

This is also a stage in life where friend groups are of utmost importance and the need to fit in is a major factor in decision making. Responding to peer pressure is part of human nature — but some people are more likely to give in, and others are better able to resist and stand their ground. People who are low on confidence and those who tend to follow rather than lead could be more likely to seek their peers’ approval by giving in to a risky challenge or suggestion. People who are unsure of themselves, new to the group, or inexperienced with peer pressure may also be more likely to give in. Sometimes, though, the stresses in your life can actually come from your peers. They may pressure you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with, such as shoplifting, doing drugs or drinking, taking dangerous risks when driving a car, or having sex before you feel ready.

• It’s important to note that it’s normal to feel left out or lonely once in a while, but you can help your child realize he has some control over his own behavior and responses.
• This dual task involves continually modifying and validating their self-worth through interactions with peers.
• As your child goes through elementary school, talk with them about smoking, drugs, and alcohol.

What makes a good friend?

Tell your child they can blame you if they need to get out of a bad situation. Give your child a special code word to say or text you if they can’t get out of a situation on their own. In rare instances, some teens pressure other teens to commit suicide.

• She said nothing, but Leah knew she wouldn’t have done that on her own.
• “Peer pressure” refers to the influence that classmates or friends can have on each other to conform to certain behaviors, attitudes, or actions.

If you continue to have concerns regarding your child and peer pressure, reach out to teachers, school administration or a mental health professional for additional support. Also, kids often get into trouble when they act without thinking – so thinking and talking about peer pressure can help prepare your child when he does have to face a difficult moment with friends. While peer influence can improve your life, peer pressure can cause problems. For example, you may feel pressure to do unsafe things that have risks you may not fully know. Resisting peer pressure can involve avoiding it, saying no, and surrounding yourself with more positive influences.

What are the effects of social media on peer pressure?

Learn more about the types and effects of peer pressure and how you can prepare your child to deal with it in a healthy way. When you were a little kid, your parents usually chose your friends, putting you in play groups or arranging play dates with certain children they knew and liked. Now that you’re older, you decide who your friends are and what groups you spend time with. Gender can affect how these pressures are internalized and expressed.

Resources for parents and carers

• As school and other activities take you away from home, you may spend more time with peers than you do with your parents and siblings.
• For example, making class participation mandatory in a smart-to-be cool school could reduce the stigma of raising one’s hand.
• Positive peer pressure is when a person is influenced by others to engage in a beneficial or productive behavior.