Let's assume you're lounging around with a few companions talking with each other and somebody says a specific game that happens to be one of your top picks. "Goodness, that game is simple. Why not we play it," one of your companions says pretentiously. The others concur. Deep down, you realize that it is a game you happen to enjoy quite a lot but, outwardly, not wanting to debate the issue, you go along with the crowd. You have just experienced what is commonly referred to as peer pressure or social influence to adopt a particular type of behavior, dress, or attitude in order to be accepted as part of a group of your equals ("peers"). As an adolescent, it's imaginable you've encountered the impact of associate impact in various diverse territories, running from the garments you wear to the music you tune in to. Peer influence is not really a terrible thing. We are altogether affected by our associates, both adversely and emphatically, at any age. For adolescents, as school and different exercises remove you from home, you may invest more energy with your companions than you do with your folks and kin. As you turn out to be more free, your companions normally assume a more prominent part of your life. In some cases, however, especially in enthusiastic circumstances, peer impact can be difficult to oppose—it truly has moved toward becoming "pressure"— and you may feel constrained to accomplish something you're awkward with(TM ® & © 2018 Scholastic Inc., 2008). Whether you are in school or not, you’re probably under a lot of pressure, not simply from all the contemplating and those heaps of homework, but pressure from other kids. Pressure to have intercourse or cheat or possibly it's to smoke or take drugs, obviously you recognize what they need you to do is awful however on occasion you, yet may feel like you're passing up a great opportunity on the off chance that you don't go along with them. You’re not alone since the world started youngsters had been managing peer pressure however it doesn't mean you need to give in. The Bible has some good advice. Exodus 23:2, tells us not to just follow after the crowd. In other words, don’t do something just because every other person is doing it; rather, be your own particular individual. How do you get the strength to stand up to Peer Pressure? According to Levi Schofield, 2015, here are the steps that can help. To begin with, keep watchful for moral threats and recognize any circumstances where you may be forced to accomplish something incorrectly. On the off chance that you see inconvenience coming to your direction, don't walk directly into it, find another route and avoid the problem. The second step, stop and take the time to think. Consider the outcomes previously you surrender to Peer pressure. In Proverbs 14: 15, the bible says smart people watch their steps. So don't simply bounce in and do what others say. That might be difficult to do in case you're endeavoring to fit in, yet that is an ideal opportunity to utilize your creative ability, how life feels later in the event that I give in, what may be the result, by what means may my activities influence others?. The third step, you need to plan ahead. Proverbs 24: 5 says that the person who has the knowledge, increases his power. On the off chance that you know precisely why you're stating no to something, why something is terrible, it can give you the strength to say no. The fourth step, take action, learn to say no clearly and confidently. It might surprise you to their reactions, each time you stand firm for what you know is correct, you get stronger and that makes it easier to resist the pressure than next time. You don't should be discourteous; however, you could give a clear reason why you wouldn't have any desire to participate. On the off chance that they continue constraining you, simply recollect this: surrendering to peer pressure is somewhat similar to being transformed into a manikin with your companions pulling the strings. According to Starlet, 2008, Peer pressure is the phenomenon wherein we have a tendency to get affected by the ways of life and the mindsets of our associates. Peer pressure can demonstrate gainful yet it is frequently seen to effectsly affect society. Peer pressure has its POSITIVE and NEGATIVE affects towards the teenagers. Negative Effects Peer pressure can prompt lost uniqueness. Extreme peer pressure may lead you to take after what your associates feel right. Their pressure may constrain you to pass by all that they think right. You have a tendency to indiscriminately copy the majority; you embrace their tastes of design, garments, hair, music and general living. Peer pressure can really lead you to lose your tastes of life and power yourself to start loving what they like. Peer pressure is the human inclination to join the fleeting trend, in which, the individual loses his/her unique method for taking a gander at life (Starlet, 2010). Positive Effects Peer pressure is not always bad. It can enable you to break down yourself and think about on your lifestyles. Some of the practices that the masses follow may actually teach you the way of living. You might have the capacity to improve yourself. Taking a gander at what others do, can enable you to realize a positive change in your state of mind. On the off chance that you can pick specifically, peer pressure can really bring about a positive change in your lifestyle (Starlet, 2010). You can’t hide from peer pressure, but you can stand up to it. Remember to keep on the lookout, think about the consequences, plan ahead and take action. Facing up to peer pressure can be scary at times, but when you do, you show the decisions you make really are your own. Adolescent is that period of life when you are presented to the world outside. These are the years when you invest the greater part of your energy with your companions. Teenage the period of starting to become independent in life; the times of framing your goals and standards, the years that shape your personality and the years that introduce you to your own self.
Standing up to peer pressure isn't always easy, but with the right guidance and planning, it can be achievable. A strong support from family, an ability to differentiate between the positive and the negative and a skill to choose friends from the peers - this three-pronged strategy is the best way to keep away from negative peer pressure.