Mike, aged 16, was addicted to smoking due to peer pressure. He first smoked when he was only 11 years old. All of his friends smoked, and he didn’t want to be left out of the group, so he smoked even though he didn’t want to. Then, he started smoking more frequently, until he got addicted to smoking. “Once I’d started, I couldn’t stop. I was addicted… I wish I hadn’t started. I knew it was wrong and I didn’t want to.” Peer pressure is an influence on people of peers and is very common in today’s society. Over 85% of high school students have experienced peer pressure, and many have tried alcohol or smoking due to it. So, who is responsible for peer pressure, the giver or the receiver? Some might say that it is the one who is pressuring who is at fault since they have a negative influence on their peers. However, in my opinion, the receivers of peer pressure are more at fault than the ones giving pressure.
The first reason is that they have a choice. The receivers of pressure must think critically and say no to unreasonable suggestions or requests. In addition, they often tend to regret their decisions under peer pressure. Alison, aged 18, started doing drugs when she was only 15. Like most of the other victims of peer pressure, she started because all of her friends were doing it. She now regrets it and has taken her over a year to recover from the drugs, and she would like to advise everyone to “not do something if you know you shouldn’t do it”. Laurence Steinberg, a researcher at Temple University in Philadelphia, said: “During early adolescence, in particular, teenagers are drawn to the immediate rewards of a potential choice and are less attentive to the possible risks`. In a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), teen volunteers played a video driving game, both alone or with friends watching. The researchers discovered that the number of risks teens took in the driving game doubled when their friends were watching as compared to when the teens played the game alone. This clearly shows that adolescents have a difficult time making decisions near their peers and that we must educate them on ways to make better choices.
Furthermore, some peer pressures are positive. Most people think that the attacker of peer pressure always has a negative intention. However, they might not always have a negative purpose in giving pressure. For instance, it could encourage someone to study. If all of their friends are studying for the test, then it will pressure them to study as well, which would actually have a beneficial effect. According to a therapy website called Choosing Therapy, 28% of those who gave in to peer pressure actually saw a positive effect from it. According to a website called reachout.com, the positive effects of peer pressure include a sense of belonging and support, an increase in self-confidence, and positive hobbies and interests.
Finally, the receivers could ask for help and assistance. Receivers must have the ability to ask for help when they are in a dangerous or negative situation. They shouldn't simply avoid it but should ask for assistance from others. According to a study conducted by D’Arcy Lyness, a Ph.D. in psychology, the victims of peer pressure should get advice from an adult they trust, since it will help them feel much better. Also, they could help the victims stand up against other peer pressure they encounter later. One study indicated that only 40% of children notified adults about bullying. This has a direct connection to peer pressure and asking for help. By looking at this statistic, it can be inferred that not many are asking for help for peer pressure, which is what the victims should do.
Peer pressure is a big issue these days, especially among adolescents, and who is at fault is a controversial issue. Despite the negative influence it can bring to one, I believe that it is the victim of pressure who is at fault, for they have the responsibility to stand up for themselves. To prevent any more negative influences from occurring, we must change the victims. We should educate them about ways to stand up, or the basic moralities, what is right and wrong.
(Source of Image) https://m.blog.naver.com/smiledr/221439985565
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