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Peer Pressure
By
Shelby Wilson
Every parent has heard
from their child, at one point or another, “I need one of those because all of
my friends have one.” That situation is one of the many common examples of peer
pressure at work. Those situations are often harmless forms of peer pressure
that do not result in any adverse consequences. However, there are just as many
occurrences of dangerous peer pressure as there are of harmless peer pressure.
It is these forms of pressure that have the most impacting effects on one’s
child.
Peer pressure is
completely indiscriminant; it can affect anyone. Unfortunately, it is not
restricted to kids telling each other to join in a harmless activity because
everyone else it doing it; it also affects them on a subconscious level. Kids
can be giving in to peer pressure without even realizing it; making it that
much more intrusive. By simply going along with the crowd— performing an act
without having a reason for doing so other than that
“everyone else” is doing it is a very dangerous form of decision making which
has consequences on a subconscious level. Kids worry about looking “uncool” around their friend and therefore give in to
anything from smoking to doing drugs, in order to avoid losing their friends.
Although it may seem otherwise, there are also many forms of positive peer
pressure.
The phrase “peer pressure”
is often marked by negative connotations. However, peer pressure can also
provide a positive influence; it is all based upon the type of person it comes
from. If kids hang around others who get good grades, who have never stepped
foot inside the principal’s office, and who are respectful to others, they will
take on those traits in order to fit in and simply from being constantly
exposed to that type of behavior.
What can a parent do? Establish and maintain an open line of
communication with your child - talk with your child every day. Talking with your
child about his or her activities opens up an opportunity for you to share your
interests and values. Teach your child
to choose friends wisely, by showing them how to form positive relationships,
and helping them understand what qualities to look for in a friend.
Also, get to know your
child’s friends and how they spend their time together. Limit the amount of
time your child spends without an adult being present. Unsupervised children
have more opportunities to experiment with risky behaviors, including the use
of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Your positive influence can delay early
experimentation and prevent substance abuse.
Shelby Wilson is a junior
at
The Kittitas County
Community Network/Drug Free Communities Coalition and the Community Network
agency, through a federal Drug Free Communities grant, are implementing the
“Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” campaign as
a community service for parents. For more information go to www.kccn-dfc.com.
