In high schools, peer pressure is a powerful factor that greatly influences students’ choices and actions. Students’ social connections, academic achievement, and even mental health are all negatively impacted by this influence.
High school life is bound to involve peer pressure, according to Mr. Luchak, “Students often feel the need to follow their peers academically. If a student is succeeding in their studies, others may feel obligated to improve their own grades to achieve similar success in their future endeavors.”
Peer pressure that is constructive in nature can motivate students to focus on extracurricular interests and succeed in school. Friends that respect education could inspire each other to focus on their own academic work, just as a friend’s support can lead to participation in extracurricular activities like clubs or sports.
Negative peer pressure, however, is a serious problem. To fit in with their classmates, students may feel pressured to engage in harmful activities such as substance abuse, skipping class, cheating, etc. In response to peer pressure, about 30% of (American) high school students reported using illegal substances at least once, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
North Park student Jasmine Kaur shared her thoughts on the subject. “I’ve seen that even if the peer pressure isn’t direct, it still affects your personal life outside that. It’s like we know they’re wrong, but you still end up doing it because you want to prove your friendship. It took me a lot of time to realize that if the other person forces you to do something that you’re clearly uncomfortable with, they don’t care about you.”
Peer pressure has become stronger due to social media, because sites like Instagram and Snapchat give kids a platform to display their social life. Students may participate in activities they might usually refrain from because they want to seem more cool online. About 38% of teenagers say they have felt overwhelmed by the drama they see on social media, while roughly 31% say it’s made them feel excluded by their friends.
The role of parents and educators are important in reducing the negative impacts of peer pressure. Giving kids the information they need to make wise decisions can be done through open discussions between parents and teenagers regarding the difficulties caused by peer influence.
Programs designed to help students develop resilience and self-worth could also be used in schools. Peer pressure and decision-making workshops can give teens the tools they need to resist harmful influences.
Ultimately, the secret to solve this problem is to create a culture that values uniqueness and acceptance. Staying true to oneself is a strength for students. Realize that true friends appreciate you for who you are, not for what you do to fit in.
Understanding the details of peer pressure and encouraging good influences can help teenagers successfully navigate these crucial years, as it continues to affect the high school experience.
THE NORTH STAR 