THE ADVANTAGES OF PEER PRESSURE

Reading related writing activity: “Peer Pressure for Teens Paves the Way to Adulthood” The Prop Room

It is in the nature adolescents to wish to explore their more extended environment, seek out new experiences which they can enjoy and form a wider social circle. In the meantime their brains are still in the process of completing their developments; a process that goes on into their twenties. Everything is exciting, new and fun and must be fully enjoyed and it is with these feelings churning around inside them that teenagers immerse themselves in all the new experiences. They are not alone in this journey; they are with their peer group which can exert some beneficial influences on them.

Contrary to popular belief, not all peer groups are bad; in fact some can be very useful.  They encourage the teenager to learn to take part in useful activities like playing sports. There are some wonderful team games that build solidarity, teach cooperation and build a team spirit. Working towards a common goal of say beating the team from the neighbouring school can be very rewarding. Fears and phobias can be overcome during camping trips or on visits to the sea side for instance where the fear of the sea can be eliminated.  There are all kinds of people in a peer group but the group identity does gain tremendous influence with kids even dressing similarly. So long as the influence is a good one such as being coaxed into adopting good habits, the influence of the peer group can be very positive.

There is a long term advantage of peer groups and the pressure they exert and that is the growth of self reliance. According to research, the influence exerted by peer pressure peaks at around 15 and then starts dropping, tailing off at about 18. During this period, teenagers sometimes go along with group decisions but also learn to resist it gradually becoming more self reliant. Given that human beings live in highly developed, complex societies, this initial learning opportunity is invaluable. The social learning that takes place as well as the psychological development that inevitably occurs both help the teenager in all his future relationships.

To sum up, peer groups and the pressure they exert can be very beneficial to the all round development of an individual. Learning how to interact with group member, how to work and enjoy things together as well as how to resist pressure when the need arises form some of the corner stones of growing up.

Provided by: The Oracle