Peer Pressure
Peer Pressure is when you think you should do something because other people your age say you should, or because everyone else is doing it too. This could mean wearing certain clothes, or maybe smoking, skipping school or even having sex for the first time.
Sometimes people do things because they want to be liked, or they worry that they'll get teased if they don't follow the crowd. It's normal to want to fit in with everyone else, but in the end it's a lot cooler to make your own decisions and be a leader rather than a follower.
Feeling under pressure
If you're under pressure to do something, because everyone else is doing it, then remember that you shouldn't be made to do anything you don't want.
- It's hard if you're the only one saying 'no' but be brave.
- If your friends want you to do something, ask yourself how you would really feel about it and stick to what you believe in.
- If you say 'no', your real friends should respect your decision. If they don't, then maybe you need to find new friends.
- It's better to have a few good friends, than lots of so-called-friends who try to make you do things you don't want to do.
On the flipside, you shouldn't be putting pressure on others. If a friend of yours doesn't want to do something, then respect their decision or back them up.
Positive peer pressure
In some cases, peer pressure can be a good thing if your friends and peers are doing something positive and can encourage or motivate you into joining in, for example joining in a good cause like protecting the environment or sports.
Remember that it's still your choice to join in or not - listen to your own voice.