Adolescents experience many social, emotional, and physical pressures as they develop- for example teens face peer pressure, bullying, and the temptation of drugs and alcohol, sexual activity, etc. The Limbic system (the part of the brain that controls sensations and emotions) grows throughout adolescence but the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that controls rational thinking and logic) is slow growing (Berger, 2011). In other words, teenagers enjoy experiencing intense sensations but often lack the ability to make logical decisions. This can lead to teenagers to engage in risky behaviors and give in to social pressures. As children grow they have to deal with many autonomous decisions and one of them is peer pressure. Other children will try to talk them into smoking, drinking, skipping school, or sex. Because adolescence are highly concerned with their peers they worry that other kids might make fun of them if they do not succumb to peer pressure The pressure to be like everyone else will influence some children to have their good judgment, or their common sense behind. It is only natural to listen to and learn from others. So by teaching children to have strong self-esteem helps them make better choices, even if their friends do not think that their choices are right ones. Parents can help their children how to present themselves in a positive way, and avoiding people who pick on them. When adolescents struggle with peer pressure, it is helpful if they have a positive role model or friend to talk to (Berger, 2011). Peer pressure can be difficult for some children, even cause suicide. Suicide among children in elementary school are estimated at 187 considered suicide, while 26 attempted suicides and one suicide completed which involved the children’s family life such as divorces followed by their appearance, low self-esteem and peer pressure (Nelson, Richard E.; Crawford Beth 1990).
Children who suffer from peer-pressure groups will take on dares to be part of a crowd such as name calling, smoking cigarettes, committing vandalism, and smoking marijuana. Other dares that are performed in peer pressure groups include sexual acts such as flirtation, intercourse, fondling, and or kissing. Peer pressure is common in every ethnic background as well as every family. Teaching children right from wrong and how to be a counselor on the disadvantages of peer pressure will in no doubt help them succeed in the world.
Nelson, Richard E.; Crawford, Beth Elementary School Guidance & Counseling, Vol. 25(2), Dec 1990, 123-128.
C E Lewis and M A Lewis. Peer pressure and risk-taking behaviors in children. American Journal of Public Health June 1984: Vol. 74, No. 6, pp. 580-584. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.74.6.580
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