Peer Pressure

As children and adolescents become more independent, their peers typically play a greater role in their everyday life. Based upon academic responsibilities and after school activities, students may be spending more time with peers relative to the amount of time spent with their family.  Youth are influenced by peers because they want to fit in with a group, be like others that they admire, do what their friends are doing, or have what their friends have.  Responding to peer pressure is a part of human nature which may impact children and adolescents at various times throughout their lives.  However, some children and adolescents are more likely to give in to negative behaviors, and others are better able to resist those negative influences.  The pressure to conform to peer’s behaviors can be powerful and hard to resist.  Children and adolescents who have low confidence and those who tend to follow others could be more susceptible to seek their peers’ approval by giving in to a negative suggestion.  Students who are unsure of themselves, new to a peer group, or inexperienced with peer pressure may also be more susceptible to negative influences. I provide therapeutic services for students and their families related to peer pressure at multiple grade levels, and also provide feedback for teachers, school staff, and administration.