Peer Pressure

By: Khadija Nadeem
Friends play a large role in a child’s social development. Their influence starts at an early age and it is natural, healthy and important for children to rely on their friends. Peers support and encourage each other to try new things. Nonetheless, peers can also have a negative impact on each other. This is called peer pressure. When children so desperately want to fit in, they do what others around them are doing, not at all thinking of consequences. To prevent children from giving into peer pressure, parents hold the biggest card. Teaching fundamentals such as these in the early developmental stages is important. When done so properly, children are informed of how to avoid peers with such behaviour. Understanding how to say “No” is always a problem.
Knowing their right to refuse can avert children from feeling forced into doing certain things. If you ever feel like you are coming under peer pressure, make sure you talk to an adult to help you distance yourself from whoever you need to.