Peer pressure has become a big part of our teenager’s lives. Whether they are at school or work, peer pressure can affect their output and even impact their general outlook on life.

All of us, at some point in our lives, have had to deal with peer pressure. The need to follow the crowd and do what majority of us are doing forces us to do things or take up activities which we wouldn’t otherwise. This is especially true for teenagers who are easily influenced by their surroundings or people they socialize with. However, recent studies have shown that peer pressure might have an upside to it; that in certain environments peer pressure can inspire an individual to be a more focused and determined individual. Let’s examine how positive peer pressure works and the impact it has on ones confidence and personality:

Pros of peer pressure

Teenagers tend to follow the crowd. If they are caught in the act of smoking or drinking they cite peer pressure as the main influence behind their actions. It’s a continuous struggle for parents to figure out how to help teenagers deal with peer pressure, especially when they aren’t always around to supervise their activities. What parents fail to understand is that in some instances peer pressure in the right environment can work for the benefit of their child. When a teen makes the right choice under peer pressure doesn’t that count as a plus point?

According to research, if properly harnessed, the same pressure can motivate individuals to stay focused and work hard towards achieving their goals. Positive effects of peer pressure on teenagers are also evident by the example of a student who is motivated to get good grades because his friends are getting good grades – an action that can be attributed to positive peer pressure.

Adopting Good Habits

Positive peer pressure can help you reflect on your actions and amend your ways to become a better individual. Observing others working hard to achieve their goals will definitely encourage you to step up your game and strive towards something positive. When a teen knows that his teammates are practicing hard to become better basketball players then it will directly affect his own performance. He will put in twice the time and energy to raise the level of his game and ensure he has a place on the team. Similarly a kid who knows that his best friend aces English because he regularly reads storybooks will feel compelled to read as well.

Having a group that exerts positive peer pressure can also help you give up bad habits and pick up healthy ones that can shape both your personality and your future. A change in perspective about life and motivation to do well because of pressure from your peers can actually become inspiration in that instance.