Let’s talk about Peer Pressure And the positive effects it can give

Let’s talk about Peer Pressure

And the positive effects it can give

A Research Paper Presented to

English Resource Center

School of Computer Science and Information Technology

Asia Pacific College

Magallanes, Makati

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the course

ERESWRT - RESEARCH PAPER

Gyro Jose G. Guevarra

December 2014

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A.  Background of the Study

Peer pressure is inevitable, and I think it is something that everyone faces, not just once but a hundred times. No one can escape from the power of peer pressure.  It is everywhere, wherever we go we can experience peer pressure. From our neighborhood, at the school and even in our own house and home, there is peer pressure. Nobody can control how peer pressure attack every people especially the kids, but we can surely control how we respond to it.

Some people think that peer pressure can only be experienced or gained thru friends, colleagues and classmates. According to the article I’ve read entitled “Parental Peer Pressure” by Carl E. Pickhardt, Ph.D. peer pressure can also be gained or experienced from the parents, especially those child who has no siblings and has only his/her parents for social company at home. These kids who have no one but their parents try to fit in to their parents’ attitude, characters and actions. They tend to adjust to parental ways, accept parental terms and imitate parental actions.

Carl E. Pickhardt said, “It's like having a third adult in the house, parents proudly declare when describing how their eight-year-old can comfortably socialize with their friends. And that statement of pride feels rewarding to the child, affirming that he has done well by acting so much like them.”

(http://www.netplaces.com/positive-discipline/the-only-child/parental-peer-pressure.htm)

With these kinds of situations, parents must be very alarmed. Parents must know the boundaries in disciplining their child or the topics and actions they should or shouldn’t show to their children. Their kids might be very advance when they try to cope up with their parents’ parental ways and actions and may cause to being isolated when they are in the playground.

The truth about peer pressure is that most people think that it's negative. Because it is usually caused by the teens around us and the peer group we are in. Teens begin to develop relationship that are more intimate, exclusive and more constant than in earlier years. Unlike in childhood, when friendships usually meant two or more close friends, tens often have multiple friends and belong to multiple groups. But these friendships are also subject to change. They can also develop new friendships with other teens and may also lose others.

Another article I’ve read was written by Elizabeth Osborn, entitled “Dealing with Peer Pressure and Cliques”. In her article, she said that peer pressure is really unavoidable. It can be seen anywhere. If a kid saw another kid doing something that his/her parents are asking him not to do, they will start to ask the question “Why can’t I?” They will start to compare themselves to other kids.

She said, “Pay attention to trends that may be affecting your young child or teenager’s school and friends. If there’s a rise in over-the-counter pharmaceutical abuse or teenage drinking, start conversations with not only the school and your child, but other students’ parents, as well. Even changes in school dress code or the lunch menu can be hints to what’s going on in your kids’ lives, so take full use of your parental rights to be nosy and ask questions that open dialogue, not close them.”(http://www.pittsburghparent.com/Pittsburgh-Parent/July-2010/Dealing-with-peer-pressure-amp-cliques/)

These things can greatly help parents on how to advice their kids when it comes to dealing with peer pressure. By talking not just to their kids, but also to those concerned parents who are feeling the same with their children. Have someone who can help you and understand what your child is going through with peer pressure. Also, having a broad knowledge in defining and understanding what peer pressure really is can help the teens choose their group and friends as well.

However, while most people think that peer pressure can only bring negative effects like drinking liquors, smoking or doing drugs, what they don't know is that peer pressure can also bring good effects to the teens. It can also give positive results to the attitudes of the kids. But these positive results can only happen if they have the right people to hang out with. If they have the right circle of friends who have positive outlook in life, they can also look into the positive and brighter side of life.

The readers will have a deeper understanding on how to deal with the different ways to resist peer pressure and how to react to these pressures. They would have a clearer view of the do’s and dont’s, and would know how to keep their balance between the negative and positive effects of peer pressure.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer this question:

1.   What are the positive effects peer pressures can give to the teens?

C.  Significance of the Study

Parents – being protective to your kid are normal, but always remember that anything that is “too much” can sometimes be bad. Try to balance everything and I guess listening to your kid won’t really hurt.

Teens – Always remember that no matter what happens, your parents are the only people who will stick with you. Always listen to them, they know what’s best for you. 

D. Scope and Delimitation

This study aims to broaden the knowledge of the parents and teens on how to deal with peer pressure and how to react to these issues and respond to them. With this study, I know that parents can improve the way on how they communicate with their kids. Therefore, this study would be a great help in improving the parents-kids relationships.

E. Materials and Methods

The information are relevant to the study were gathered from various references through online. This researcher gathered the information on the parental guidance teens must have in terms of accepting and resisting peer pressure.

 F. Definition of terms

1. Cliques - a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.

2. Inevitable - certain to happen; unavoidable. 

3. Peer Group - is a group of people who are equal in some way.

4. Peer Pressure - is influence that a peer group, observers or individual exerts that encourages others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors.

Chapter 2

DISCUSSION

What are the positive effects peer pressures can give to the teens?

I. Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure is the influence we get from a peer group. It is the most common reason why we change, we try to fit in and conform to group norms. We change the way we talk, dress and even the way we act. Our eating habit also changes. Everyone is experiencing peer pressure, not just the teens, but also those kids and adults who are surrounded by people in their everyday lives. Peer Pressure is inevitable. We cannot avoid peer pressure. When we hear the word peer pressure, we think that it can only bring negative effects. We barely realize or recognize the positive effects of it. If there are many negative effects, of course, there are also positive effects of peer pressure. We just need to open our eyes and mind and know the right judgment in dealing with peer pressure.

II. Peer Pressure leads to Positivity

A. Peer Pressure can lead to Healthy Behaviors

Peer Pressure can also give positive effects on teens. It can also make people make the best out of their decisions and values in life. When people know how to choose the right people to deal with in their everyday lives, they are one step closer in dealing with peer pressure the right way. At the very start, teens should know how to choose the right circle of friends with good interests and values to help them avoid peer pressure. When they go along with the right people who for example, love to study, like to join to some prayer meetings and social activities that can benefit the society, they can be tempted to try these activities and make these as a habit.

An article written by the Youth Resources, entitled “Pressure from peers can have positive influence on teens” supports this topic. In this article, the author said that the youth often cite pee pressure as an excuse for their actions when they are wrong and making poor decisions. With this thought, the author thinks that peer pressure can also be the reason when a teen have done something good. Maybe he/she did this because his/her friend is doing it or everyone is doing it. When he/she passed the exams because he study hard, the reason is because everyone study hard. The concepts and principles observed during negative peer pressure can also be applied to positive peer pressure. But of course, youth have the options of they will accept the positive effects rather than the negative side.

The author said, “Developing positive peer pressure begins with relationships. Peers traditionally build friendships with those with whom they have the most in common. They utilize their similar work ethic, hobbies and interests to create mutual bonds on which they can base their friendship.” (http://www.courierpress.com/lifestyle/columnists/youth-resources/pressure from-peers-can-have-positive-influence).

Hearing the word peer pressure, these are the first thing that comes to our minds, smoking, bullying and drinking but, how about the positive things that it can give? We do not think of these positive things most of the time, or we really don’t see that these things are also results of the so called peer pressure. With the pressure coming from our peers, we can do something we don’t usually do, or something we are really afraid to do. We can also discover some good things or skills we have if we let the positive pressure from our friends take place. If you listen to the positive comments of your friends, telling you to join a singing contest because you have a really good voice or join a dance group because you are such a good dancer, then we acquire the positive sides of peer pressure.  These instances can make us boost our self -confidence and showcase the good aspects of our personality and make us believe in ourselves more. It’s just a matter of choosing which kind of pressure to accept and live with.

I’ve read an article entitled “Positive Aspects of Peer Pressure” written by Arno Rosenfeld explained that there are many things left for us to take or try but we didn’t have the guts to do it. Most of the time it is negative, but sometimes there’s also positive things. He said that parents over react too much, they can be over protective, and lecture us about the dangers we may encounter outside. He also added that parents must know how to trust their kids and also their ability in raising a good child.

Arno said, “Our parents are overly concerned about “peer pressure.” Before we go out, they’ll lecture us about the dangers. I understand their worries: they don’t want us smoking, stealing, having sex or vandalizing buildings. But, it’s unrealistic to tell us not to succumb to peer pressure when the most likely form of peer pressure we’ll experience is “C’mon, dance!” (http://www.education.com/magazine/article/teen_perspective_rosenfeld/).

B. Adopting Good Habits

Teens tend to follow the crowd. They follow the latest trends because they think it is cool. Like what I’ve said in my first post, if they are caught in the act of smoking, drinking or any prohibited activities, they blame peer pressure as the main reason. What they don’t know is that Peer Pressure can actually help us reflect on our actions and amend our ways to become a better individual. Observing others having the ability to work hard and achieve their goals can help us in also wanting to achieve our own goals, stepping up with our game and striving toward something positive.

I’ve read an article written by Shravyampsr, entitled “Effect of Peer Pressure Is Beneficial”. In his article, he said that peer pressure is the phenomenon wherein we tend to get influenced easily by the different lifestyles and values of the people around us. He also said that with this pressure, we may be influenced in a positive way and change ourselves for the better. Our colleagues’ outlook in life can influence us to change for the betterment.  Some doesn’t really persuade us to do those things but rather inspire us to make a difference and change ourselves. You are really fortunate and blessed enough if you have a peer group that can influence and help you in shaping your good self and adopting good habits.  

Shravyampsr said, “Peer pressure is not always bad. It can help you reflect on yourself. Peers may teach you good things and encourage you to follow them . their choices and ways of life give you a glimpse of the world outside the four walls of your house. Being part of a larger group of peers exposes you to the diversity in human behavior. This makes you reflect on your behavior and know where you stand. Peer pressure can lead you to make right choices in life.” (http://www.studymode.com/essays/Effect-Of-Peer-Pressure-Is-Beneficial-1915777.html).

We can adopt good habits by of course having the right people around us. We must look for the positive people and always try to look something good with their personality and the way we think about them. Instead of dwelling into their negative sides, why not look at something positive, this can surely help us in attracting positive vibrations. Another thing that can help us adopt good habits is by thinking something good about ourselves. Accepting ourselves can help us in avoiding peer pressure because we do not seek self-approval and validation from other people.

Another article I’ve read was written by Sabrina Alexis, entitled “Bad Habits to Stop and Good Habits to Adopt“. She said that we should stop thinking/saying bad things about people. We must focus on the good, always. Always try to focus on the good side. He explained that thinking positive thoughts about other people is a much healthier way of feeling good. Also, he said that we really need to accept who we really are. We need to start thinking something good about ourselves. Give yourself credits. Stop thinking negative thoughts because thoughts affect everything, how we feel, what we say, and how we interpret the things around us. It has such huge impact on our mood.

 Sabrina Alexis said, “Positive people who truly love and accept themselves are like magnetic attraction-fields. Those are the kind of people that others really want to be around because of their infectious aura. Well now YOU can be one of those people.” (http://www.anewmode.com/lifestyle/bad-habits-stop-good-adopt).

C. The society and the Teens

Many of us believe that peer pressure has a really huge impact in the society. There are teens that enjoy social activities than going to parties and being wasted with their friends, they are more likely to enjoy social campaigns like joining an immersion and exercising their abilities in being a good leader. They can join the parish church like being a choir member which also helps them enhance their talent in singing. Participate in a group where they can teach those out of school youths in learning how to read, write and some other activities done in school. They can have a feeding program that will surely benefit those people who lack money to buy foods and shelters for their family. There are so many activities these teens can do to help the society. They do not need a huge amount of money, what they need is simply their time and effort. Encouraging other teens to do the same is a clear definition of a positive peer pressure.

I've read one article written by Jaypee Gatmaitan, entitled "What can Teens Contribute to Society?" Jaypee said that nowadays, most teens didn't really work hard for their allowance and they are indeed very lucky that their parents have the money to send them to school. But he also said that there are teens that need to work hard for them to study and help their parents. Well, that's the two faces of our society. Children and teens right now are being so unproductive, all they do is watch televisions, party all night and hang out with friends. He said that there are a lot of things teens can do to actually help our society instead of being a bum and just depending on their parents.

Gatmaitan said, "There are tons of ways on how a teen can contribute to its society. You can contribute even in your own little ways. We cannot change the society unless we start it on ourselves. Change is very difficult to introduce when only one teen is doing it. But if each one will unite, we can surely make an impact on our society." (http://mynauticalnonsense.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-can-teens-contribute-to-society.html).

Just like peer pressure can affect the society, the society can also affect our teens, these can lead to whether negative or positive effects. The most common thing that can affect our teens are advertisements, influences from media, school and of course the laws and the society. What's good about these things is that our teens can think if the consequences before doing something, especially when it involves the laws and society. They will think twice before doing something and try to consider the laws that they need to follow. Some aspects of the society have really positive influence.

I've read an article entitled, "How does society affect behavior in Teens?" written by Erica Loop. She stated that children are starting to be aware of their doings since they are already aware of the laws. She said that there's no assurance that the teens won't do something that will contradict the law but she is sure that these teens will think twice and harder and will learn to say "no" about their choices because they will think of the consequences.

Jaime said, "Some aspects of society can have a positive influence. As children grow into the teen years, they become more aware of legal issues and society's laws. Although a younger child might know that stealing money can result in jail time, adolescents have the ability to understand legalities in a more abstract way. This knowledge might help teens to think twice before engaging in risky or illegal activities such as underage drinking, drug use or drinking and driving. This isn't to say that teens aren't going to experiment with illegal substances just because the societal laws say no, but instead they might think harder about their choices in light of the consequences." (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/society-affect-behavior-teens-4728.html).

III. Conclusion

We are experiencing peer pressure in our daily lives, just by spending time with our friends, classmates, co-workers and many more, we can be easily influenced by these people, even ourselves don’t realize it. Peer pressure can make us change in many ways. The way we dress can be affected, the things we usually do can be easily changed because of peer pressure. Even our habits like attending the mass can be affected if we let the negative peer pressure consume us. The most common example of peer pressure is smoking, drinking liquor and doing drugs. Our diet can also be affected, and this can lead to some serious health problems. The words we used and the way we speak, as well as the way we communicate with others can be affected. Bullying is also a very common effect of negative peer pressure.

Peer Pressure has also its positive sides, people just really focus on the positive effects it can give because we only see the negative side of it. Positive Peer Pressure can help us in many ways. By having the right person to talk to, the right set of friends and the right beliefs and attitude, we can all achieve the positive effects of peer pressure. By joining an immersion which can help those people who are suffering from poverty, by attending a prayer meeting or simply by giving donations. Another good act in which we can show positive peer pressure is by teaching or sharing the knowledge we have to those out of the school youth. We must share our blessings, our knowledge and everything we have to others. We can also encourage others like our friends and classmates in joining these groups to reflect on the positive sides of peer pressure.

The researcher has found out that in achieving the positive effects of peer pressure, one must first know how to choose their circle of friends and accept themselves.  By doing this, we will be secured with our own self and will not seek for self-acceptance. Positive peer pressure stands out when we acknowledge the positive comments or positive traits our friends have, when we wanted to be like them because of their positive attitudes and characters. We need to be open minded in accepting the positive and the good things in life.

Positive peer pressure can give us inner peace. It can help us in adopting good habits and changing our lives for the better. It all starts in us. From the start, teens really know which is good and bad. What they should do and shouldn’t do. It’s just that we need to have a deeper understanding of the things and people around us. Positive Peer Pressure means being positive in life, accepting change and loving yourself.

Chapter 3

Summary, Conclusions and

Recommendations

SUMMARY

This paper attempted to explain the psychological effect of believing in soul mate ideas.

The research design used in this study is the explanatory research method wherein data collected from the articles are used to answer the research question posed. The research findings are the following:

1. We cannot avoid peer pressure. Everyone is experiencing it, the only difference is the way we accept it. We can accept it in a positive way which can lead to positive peer pressure or we can accept it in a negative way which can lead to negative peer pressure.

2. The teens must be aware in the different effects of peer pressure. Teens must know how to identify which kind of pee pressure to accept. Positive peer pressure can give the teens the ability to always strive for the good and be a better person in every way they can.

3. Peer pressure can help the teens adopt good habits. It can also lead to healthy behaviors which can make the teens make the best out of their decisions in life. Listen and entertain only the positive thoughts or words we hear and think in our everyday lives. It can help us reflect more in our actions and amend our ways to become a better individual. Peer pressure can help us in achieving our goals, stepping up in our game and striving toward something positive.

4. Teens must practice to have the ability in choosing the right set of friends, they must be in control of their feelings and always make sure to keep their emotions in check. Teens must be aware of the consequences and the good benefit they can have or get with peer pressure. They should be skilled when it comes to decision making.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. It is important for the teens to know how to choose the right set of friends since it can be a good foundation in achieving positive peer pressure.

2. Positive peer pressure can   help the teens in many ways, like enhancing their skills and widening their knowledge. They can also encourage other teens by practicing these positive peer pressure. Teens can also help in their community by joining several activities which will benefit the society.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

After drawing the conclusions of the study, the researchers hereby make the following suggestions/recommendations:

1. Positive Peer Pressure can make our lives more meaningful. It can give us unending happiness and make our life worthwhile.

2. Teens should know that peer pressure has also positive sides. They just need to be more aware and careful with their decisions. Teens must be really wise and smart in choosing their friends. And of course, teens must know how to accept themselves.

REFERENCES

Arno Rosenfeld (March 5, 2009) Positive Aspects of Peer Pressure. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.education.com/magazine/article/teen_perspective_rosenfeld/

Carl E. Pickhardt (September 17, 2013) Parental Peer Pressure. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.netplaces.com/positive-discipline/the-only-child/parental-peer-pressure.htm

Elizabeth Osborn (July 2010) Dealing with peer pressure & cliques. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.pittsburghparent.com/Pittsburgh-Parent/July-2010/Dealing-with-peer-pressure-amp-cliques/

Erica Loop Jamie (March 1, 2008) How does society affect behavior in Teens. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/society-affect-behavior-teens-4728.html

Jaypee Gatmaitan (June 3, 2011) What can Teens Contribute to Society. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://mynauticalnonsense.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-can-teens-contribute-to-society.html

Sabrina Alexis (November 26, 2009) Bad Habits to Stop and Good Habits to Adopt. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.anewmode.com/lifestyle/bad-habits-stop-good-adopt

Shravyampsr (September 3, 2013) Effect of Peer Pressure Is Beneficial. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Effect-Of-Peer-Pressure-Is-Beneficial-1915777.html

Youth Resources (July 16, 2014) Pressure from peers can have positive influence on teens. Retrieved December 4, 2014 from http://www.courierpress.com/lifestyle/columnists/youth-resources/pressure%20from-peers-can-have-positive-influence

Blog Post 8: Peer Pressure and Teens Health

Have you ever gone to party with your friends and drink alcohol because they did. Or have you ever skipped school because you believed that your friends would think of you as uncool if you didn't Or have you ever done something because you thought that everyone else was doing it. It can affect a person's health in many ways. It can cause physical, emotional, and mental distress.

I've read several articles regarding how peer pressure can affect teen's health. One article I've read was written by Camelita Thrift entitled "How does Peer Pressure affect many teens health" In her article, she said that many students on a collegiate level begin to test drugs because their friends or classmates encourage them to do so. And parents must be alarmed, because most of these drugs are extreme and very dangerous. The saddest part on teens trying to do drugs is when they got addicted to it, and these addiction could lead in serious side effects. She said that some side effects are hair loss, extreme weight loss, nausea and the likes. These never ending effects of peer pressure can affect teens physical health tremendously.

Camelita said, "Equally important, peer pressure can not only affect a person's health physically but also emotionally. Many young ladies and gentlemen decide to be sexually active because they think that everyone is doing it."

I agree with Camelita, in my former posts, I already talked about how can peer pressure affect teens decision when it comes to having sex with their partners. They are very willing to do it because they think, this can prove how much they love each other. Health is very important and I think teens must know how to take care of our health, and avoid those activities which can lead to sickness and improper functions of our body.

Another article I've read was entitled 'Peer Pressure can hurt healthy eating habits" by Lindsay Holden. She said that peer pressure in any form can be hard to accept. Its influence on teenagers runs from what clothing to wear on your body and how much food to put in your body. She said that experts describe lunch hour as social hour. Some teens are following a strict diet just to lose weight and fit in, so they can wear those dresses and skinny jeans. In extreme cases, some teens are just following their colleagues when it comes to eating habits which can lead to lifelong battles of obesity and eating disorder.

Holden said "Some kids will go through starving themselves because their friends are doing it. When they are on their way they might be fine, but for others it is a trigger for a lifelong struggle."

I agree with Holden, they actually have the same point, peer pressure is really a major factor when it comes to  affecting teen's feelings, emotionally, mentally and physically. For me, these problems on peer pressure are being experienced worldwide, especially in those countries who have a very liberated kind of living. It is dangerous and can destroy a child's well being and can cause to death. Parents must be really focus on their children and know how can they protect their children from peer pressure.

Blog Post 7: The cool spot; Peer Pressure, Alcohol and Drugs

Some might be feeling pressure from your friends, other people, or society as a whole through movies, music or advertising to use drugs or drink alcohol. Sometimes teens think about both the advantages and disadvantages of their actions and decisions but they seldom focus on the advantages of those.

In this post, I will share some of my insights regarding peer pressure and substance abuse, drugs and alcohol which are the most common forms of peer pressure. I've read some articles about this topic. One article I've read was written by Chris Becker entitled "Managing Pressure to use drugs or alcohol." He defined peer pressure as the feeling of being influenced to do something you wouldn't usually do because your peers are doing it. He said that it can  be a major factor in deciding whether you will try drugs or drink alcohol. Peer Pressure can be determined as negative when it causes you to do things you do not usually do. For example, you really don't want to try drugs or drink alcohol but it leaves you no choice since your friends are doing it.

He said "Part of being your own person means making decisions based on what is best for you, taking ownership and responsibility for what you do and how you think-but this doesn't mean that you can’t be a valuable part of a group."

I definitely agree with what he said, we are our own master. We, ourselves, we should know how to control what we are doing and think twice before doing anything. We must be very aware on the decisions we do, the actions we take and the consequences that we will face.

Another article I've read was written by Stephen J. Bahr entitled "Parental and Peer Influences on the Risk of Adolescent Drug Use" he said that When adolescents associate with peers who use drugs, they are much more likely to initiate drug use and adolescents who use drugs tend to choose friends who use drugs too.

He said "It is well established that peers have a strong influence on adolescent decisions to use drugs. An important practical question is how  family characteristics might influence the choice of peers."

It is true that family especially parents have the biggest influence on how a teen can choose their friends. Parents must take time to know who their child's friends are and take time to bond with them or at least know them personally. In this way, they would know what kind of people their kids are hanging out with. They would easily know if these people are good or bad influence to their kids.

Blog Post 6: Teen Life, Dealing with Peer Pressure and Sex

Peer Pressure is truly a problem in the society, one of the hardest issue to deal with. Some teens decide to have sexual relationships at a very early age because they think it's cool and because their friends are actually doing it. Others are being pressured by whom they are dating. Still some teens find it a lot easier to just give in and have sex than to explain why they should not do it. They are getting caught up by their feelings and emotions and believe that sex is still one of the best ways in proving that the love they have is true.

In this post, I will share my learning based on different articles I have read on how to deal with peer pressure when it comes to sex. First article I've read was written by Ruth k. Westheimer and Pieree A. Lehu, entitled "Teen Life: Dealing with Peer Pressure and Sex". In this article, they said that peer pressure is really an unavoidable  part of adolescence and teen hood, which is true. They also said that it is essential to know how to know when to say yes and when to say no to peer pressure.

Weisthesmer said "Waiting can make sex even better. Many people start having sex when they are young, but because the situation isn't right, they never discover how to become great lovers and never have terrific sex lives."

I agree with what Ruth K. Westheimer said, it is true that waiting can make it really exciting for the both of you especially when you guys have been together for several years now. Waiting can show that a man truly loves his woman. This can also show that they respect each other's decision and accept what their partners can give and offer. Rather than rushing into sex, people must determine if their feelings are true and have a genuine love for each other.

Another article I've read was written by Collin Allen last 2003, entitled "Peer pressure and teen sex". He said that many teens, especially boys, have felt the pressure to have sex before they must and before they are really ready. He also said that according to research, many teens actually think that they should wait until they are ready before having sex but only few of them can really wait. In his article, he said that boys tend to be more pressured than girls.

Allen said "Teens feel strong pressure to drink and try drugs." 

I agree with Allen, it is true that boys are likely to feel more pressured than girls. They feel more masculine and cool when they already have a sexual relationship with the opposite sex. They have that feeling that they can brag those experiences with their friends. For me, in order to avoid these kinds of problems teens are facing nowadays, parents must know how to communicate with their children in any topics. Having a sexual education program can also help in teaching the teens the consequences they would face if they would do this kind of unwanted activity.

Blog Post 5: Peer Pressure; Starts a very young age

Amazingly, peer group pressure can begin as early as elementary school, teachers and parents must always be on the lookout of their children who may negatively influenced by peers. The playground is often one of the most common source of potential social challenges for many kids. While some children are busy and happy playing with their friends, some being bullied and criticize by their peers.

This post highlights some common peer problems your child may face at school. I've read some articles on how can peer groups affect our children as early as seven or eight years old, first article I've read was entitled "Peer Pressure at School" written by Justin Coulson. In his article, he said that there are many problems our children face in their elementary stage. There comes a point when they are getting bullied and

teased, and unfortunately, these are still common in the school yard. Some are being intentionally left out of school activities. Also, one of the most common peer problem at school is when your children start to ask themselves whether they are cool or not. They will start questioning themselves why they don't have that much friends, they will start to think that maybe there is something wrong with them. These instances can make them perform very poor in academics and voluntarily exclude themselves to their peers.

Justin Coulson said, "By around the age of nine, many children have a keen sense of what is cool and what is not. Much of this is controlled by what they are exposed to via the media through the internet, television, and movies. If your child has not got the latest media gadget like iPod or mobile phone, seen the latest movie, or does not know the words  to the hottest song in the country, they may feel excluded and could be teased."

I definitely agree with Coulson, he delivered the most common reason very well and understandable. It is true that being left out with the latest gadgets and media are some common reasons why children are being bullied. They also tend to feel that they do not belong to the group once they lack something everyone in the group has. For me, it is important for parents to teach and educate themselves on how to accept that there are things they can have and cannot, It is important that at a very young age, children are already informed that they cannot give everything and they must not feel that they are being left out.

Another article I've read was written by Rick Nauert, PHD., entitled "Younger than you think: Peer Pressure Begins in Elementary School". In his article, he said that peer pressure is not just an issue for adolescents. Peer pressure begins in elementary school. As early as nine years old, kids can make their own decisions.

He said that "The emergence of peer groups in elementary school also aids the children's development by providing positive friendships, relationships, and social support."

I agree with Rick, at early at the age of nine, children can be influenced by their peers. But what's good in his article is that, he believed that peer pressure can be good if they will maintain their harmonious retionships with the positive people. I think this is a reminder call to all the parents, they must guide their children on their first stage of school, to see if they have the right choice of people to be friend with. Parents must be the first people to know if someone or something can bring and do good to their children.

Blog Post 4: Peer Pressure and Decision Making

Decision-making is cognitive process resulting in the selection of a belief or a course of action among several alternative possibilities, choices or options. It is choosing and identifying options based on differeent values, race and belief of a person. It is said to be one of the most important factor in every person's life. Most people believe that decision making is one major skill we should learn, especially the teen nowadays. With the so called peer pressure, it is very hard for the teens to decide on their own.

I saw some articles that can fully explain what is decision making and how can peer pressure affects the decision making skills of the teenagers nowadays. First article I've read was written by an IMD Professor, Phil Rosenzweig last November 2013, entitled "Categories of decision making". In his article, he explained that making decisions are inevitable in every person's life. We are living in a world full of decisions on a daily basis. He said that in making our decisions, we should have sets of options and should set benchmarks or parameters. Of course, all of our decisions depend on the situation. He said that if we want to improve something, then we should know what are the things we should do in order for us to influence the outcomes of our decisions. He also said that sometimes, we tend to be contented in what we have so we do not take time and put n effort to enhance our skills. He said that in every decision making, we should make the choice will give us the best.

Phil Rosenzweig said, “Decisions vary along two dimensions: control and performance. Control considers how much we can influence the terms of the decision and the outcome. And performance addresses the way we measure success.”

I agree with Phil, his article perfectly fits those teens who are undergoing or experiencing per pressure. Our decisions definitely brought us to where we today and will bring us to where we want to be in the future. So if we decided to be stagnant, then we will be stuck on where we are, but if we decided and choose to be successful, then we will become successful. It’s just a matter of choice. If you won’t do anything, you wouldn't reach anything.

And the second article I've read was about how can peer pressure influence our decision making skills. It was written by Amanda Romero entitled "Effects of Peer Pressure on Decision Making". Amanda said that our peer-to-peer interaction affects us every day. From the decisions we make, to the clothes we wear and the choices we take. She also said that peer pressure today is rising and cannot be escaped.

Amanda Romero once said, “Our teenagers are the most influenced by peer pressure. Peers influence people because they want to fit in, be like peers they admire, do what others are doing, It’s only natural for people to identify with and compare themselves to their peers as they consider how they wish to be, or what they want to achieve.”

It is true that we cannot run away from peer pressure, it is inevitable especially for the teenagers. For me, peer pressure has a huge impact in our decision making skills. Teens are very impulsive and careless when it comes to making their own decisions, they do not think twice before they do something, they do not think or plan ahead, all they want is to be accepted by their peers and to feel that there are people who like them.

Blog Post 3: Pros and Cons of Peer Pressure

With the way of life and choices by the peers nowadays, can lead to whether positive or negative impacts especially on their behavior and personality. Peers can greatly affect the perspective of a certain individual whether in a good or a bad way. It affects us all the time, directly or indirectly, positively and negatively. It can give us benefits and sometimes it can make us face the consequences.

I've read several articles regarding the advantages and disadvantages of Peer Pressure. The first article I've read was written by Manali Oak entitled, "Negative and Positive Effects of Peer Pressure". In her article, she said that teenagers were the most affected when dealing with peer pressure because they were the most vulnerable. Changes from physical to psychological stages are taking place.. They are dealing with the people who have similar characters with them, same thinking and behavior most of the time. Peer pressure can affect the decisions they make in life, in which these decision may not be good for them, they can also gain bad habits because of the negative factors brought by peer pressure. However, they can also cultivate good habits when they make friends with good and positive people, and if a teen is lucky enough to find a good group, his peers can be a good influence and example that can help him build himself in a positive way. It is just a matter of choice.

Oak said, "Teenage years are the educative years of one's life. It's the phase they do their high school, go for higher education, take up degree courses. They are busy carving a career for themselves. They spend most of their time among those of their age - their friends, peers. Teenage is the most youthful period of life."

Manali Oak is definitely correct, for me, there are really Pros and Cons of Peer Pressure. These things are inevitable especially for teens who are just learning or developing their decision making skills. During my high school years, It was really hard for me to decide on myself especially in choosing the right thing to do versus the things that I want to do. But eventually, with the help of my parents of course, I was able to know which is more important and which is more necessary. Teens, they don't need to be perfect, they just need to be true to themselves and be open about how they feel especially to their parents.

The second article I've read will let us know how does negative peer pressure affects us, whether direct or indirect. It was written by Diane Fitzpatrick, entitled "Types of Peer Pressure". She said that the types of peer pressure range from direct, confrontational pressure, to more subtle pressures to look, dress and act like everyone else.

She said that "Direct, spoken, negative peer pressure puts your child on the spot through direct confrontation. Your teen's peers want to convince him to do something he shouldn't do. When peers resort to this type of direct pressure, it's difficult for teens to find an excuse to do the right thing without risking ridicule."

I agree with Diane, it is very hard for a teen to resist negative peer pressure especially when it is directly spoken which leads to confrontations. Teens are more prone to negative peer pressure than the positive ones.They tend to just go with the flow not knowing if what they are doing can either lead to negative or positive outcomes. I think teenagers need to have a guidance, not too much and not too little, a balance guidance will do. They just need some advice on how to say no to temptations and how to handle these kinds of pressure.