The Importance of Not Giving into Peer Pressure

When I was in grade nine, my teacher taught our class a perplexing lesson about space. It provided insight on the technology that goes into space exploration. I found the lesson entrancing, and I was eager to learn more. Yet my peers did not regard the lesson as highly. They made remarks such as, “this is boring” and “why do we have to learn about space?” I was in heavy contradiction to these statements because I believe that the formidable nature of space is a fascinating concept. The idea of many scientists researching space and coming up with unique methods to learn more was intriguing to me. However, regardless of my opposing opinion, I felt obliged to agree. In the moment, I made similar comments to my friends, but it wasn’t until later that I realized this was an example of peer pressure. 

Peer pressure is when a person does something for the sole reason that their friends are partaking in it. Peer pressure comes in many forms, which can be substantial and possibly harmful. The negativity in peer pressure arises from the fact that sometimes we feel compelled to do things we are uncomfortable with because of our friends. Nonetheless, there are ways to resist this pressure and to react in a manner you feel is right. For instance, there was a time where my friends were talking about another person in an unfriendly way. I felt uncomfortable, given that the person they were gossiping about was an individual I looked up to. I was hesitant about what I should say, yet in the end I still defended my friend. Looking back, I am pleased I showed a sense of integrity by standing up for a peer.

I had a choice to succumb to peer pressure and say negative things purely because my friends did, but I did not.

It takes strength to stand up to others. People you view as your friends can pressure you into doing things with serious repercussions or put you in situations that do not align with your values. Despite the harsh circumstances we may find ourselves in, there are many ways to combat this. It is crucial to assess the severity of the situation and make an informed decision regarding how you want to act. Here are the things I consider when I encounter peer pressure:

1. What consequences may I face?

When I find myself in a situation where I recognize peer pressure, I think about the consequences I may face if I participate alongside my peers. I ask myself if anyone would get harmed, whether it’s myself, my peers, or others. I ensure that I evaluate the situation adequately and consider all possible outcomes

When conscious that someone could be negatively affected, I devise a way to get myself out of the circumstance. Often, I let them know that I am uncomfortable, or I make an excuse to disengage from the setting. 

2. Am I doing this for myself or someone else?

Frequently, people fall victim to peer pressure because they hope they will earn someone else’s validation. When I would seek confirmation from others, I found I was constantly spreading myself too thin. I would alter my boundaries just so the other person would not view me critically. It took me awhile to recognize that this behaviour is not positive and the impact it was making on me. Whenever I was in a social setting, I would dismiss my personal well-being in order to make room for someone else. Once I recognized the negativity in this, I began to pursue self-validation. I found it much more rewarding when I would stand up for myself. Prioritizing my values over someone else’s validation helped me refuse to succumb to peer pressure. I now am well aware of the value of asking myself if I am falling under the influence of someone for my benefit or someone else’s.

3. I trust my gut.

Whenever someone wants to involve me in something that seems untoward, I rely on my intuition. If I have an inadequate feeling about a situation, I trust it. Although it is difficult at times to trust my gut since it does not give me a definitive answer regarding whether I would have regrets later. However, it is better to be safe than sorry. This approach has continued to help me when someone attempts to influence me. The more I practice it, the easier it becomes.

Peer pressure is present in the lives of many, and it takes courage to resist. It may seem daunting, but putting an end to it is the moral choice. I used to believe that if I fell into the hands of peer pressure, it would strike me as brave for altering my values. As of now, I am well acquainted with the idea that caving into the pressure is the more cowardly thing to do. Standing firm takes a sense of pride but it is the right decision.