Peers influence you on everything even if you are unaware of it. Many follow the wrong crowd and others are influenced to be a better person. Following the wrong crowd could lead to a life with many regrets. Many give in to peer pressure because they feel people may not like them and make fun of them. Others give in for the experience and for the idea that “Everyone’s doing it”.
I asked members of the public of their experience on peer pressure and what advice they would give to others and themselves. First was Jacob, 32, a youth worker from east London, he said: “Peer pressure is something that you have to deal with all your life”.
He has the view that peer pressure can have positive effects and it might be beneficial for example, if you are shy and your friends are loud, that kind of peer pressure might help you come out of your shell. But that depends on if the pressure they are giving you is positive for your self-development, rather than negative. The advice he would recommend to others dealing with peer pressure is to not allow other people to tell you what is good and what is bad about you and believe in yourself.
I also asked a 40 year old woman on Brick Lane, London, about her dealings with peer pressure. She said: “Peer pressure never bothered me because I had too much of my own mind and independence to affect me. I dealt with it very quickly and didn’t really succumb to peer pressure.”
Her advice was: “Not to follow what others say and make yourself more aware of what is going on in the world. This will help make you learn more about yourself and help you make your own decisions.”
It appears that peer pressure has two sides. My advice would be to trust in yourself and to be mature and understand your actions and of others. Be smart and ahead of others, and predict the troubles that not only you, but all teenagers will go through in your life. That way you can prepare yourself for what pressures you may have to face in the future.
Make your own decisions and don’t be a follower. Remember choose your friends wisely and good friends always respect your individuality.
This blog was produced by Hamida Begum, 15
You can follow more of Hamida’s blog at: Thoughts of HamidaB
