PEER PRESSURE: Combat by NOT ALLOWING

Every teenager encounters this thing called “peer pressure” . The pressure is unavoidable, although you can ignore it sometimes but you can’t escape it. It will hunt you almost every day you try to avoid it. So how can we handle peer pressure?

While surfing the net, I came across in an article entitled Beating Peer Pressure made by Mike Hardcastle in the site called Teen Advice. The article defined some tips and guidelines how a teen can easily handle peer pressure. It is essential to know how to manage your attitude and behavior toward your peers if you want to keep them by your side.

STEP 1:

Before beating the peer pressure, knowing first the signs if we are trap in that said peer pressure is the first step to combat it. Mike cited traits that put you at higher risk for falling in to the peer pressure trap includes:

• low self esteem
• lack of confidence
• uncertainty about ones place within a given peer group
• no personal interests exclusive of one's peer group
• feeling isolated from peers and/or family
• poor academic abilities or performance
• fear of one's peers
• lack of strong ties to friends
• feeling that friends could turn on you
• close bond with a bully

STEP 2:

According to Mike, in handling peer pressure preparing a mental script of how you would like to deal with uncomfortable situations. Script out the reaction you want to have in a given situation and play that script out in your head over and over again. You know where to stand on key issues like sex, drugs and alcohol. Don't allow anybody to make you deviate from your position. Never be afraid to speak up and let others know your boundaries. You may get a bit of teasing at first but most people respect the boundaries of others when they know what they are. Think of yourself as a leader and act accordingly. The more you see yourself in a leadership role the more comfortable you will feel asserting your own opinions and feelings.

STEP 3:

He also pointed out that always be comfortable with our choices. If you give in and do something that is contrary to your character or core value system it will cause you distress later and you will feel regret.When peer pressure rears its ugly head try to focus on how you feel about what is happening rather than getting caught up in the crowd. Always stand up for what you think is right. Remember, peer pressure can only win if you let it.

Actually it is like planning on what will going to react and what to do if you are in that certain situation. Through it you will not be able to have a wrong move because you already plan for it. Repeatedly speaking up to others what's really in you, what's in your mind and let them know will let them respect it sooner or later. If you don't want, refuse it. Don't allowed them to rule over self and put you in the wrong path. Do what is right, so that others with the same situation you have will inspire and follow you. You are the most important person that can help yourself from it.

This information is very useful for every member in the peer group. If a peer group learns how to handle the pressure among them, they will be united and retain the harmony and peace among them. The pressure handling techniques are really very easy to follow. Peer groups may have a fun and healthy relationship as well as good communication with each other avoiding unwanted quarrels and fights.