Dealing with peer pressure

Gabriel Manyeruke

PEER pressure is prevalent in schools as learners are constantly influenced by their colleagues to conform to certain behaviours, attitudes and beliefs.

Peer pressure is a force that can significantly impact the character and decisions of juveniles. While it is often considered a normal part of adolescence, some forms of this phenomenon can be detrimental and result in adverse outcomes.

Influence from one’s peers can have various negative effects on learners. These can hinder the learners’ social development, academic success and overall well-being at school.

One of the most concerning aspects of peer pressure is that it can cause learners to make poor choices that have long-term consequences.

For example, learners may feel pressured to engage in risky behaviours such as indulging in promiscuous activities, abusing drugs and taking intoxicants in order to fit into their peer groups.

These behaviours not only have the potential to harm the learner’s health, but they can also lead to academic challenges and disciplinary consequences at school.

Influence from one’s peers can also impact one’s academic performance. It affects one’s study habits and attitude towards schoolwork.

If learners are surrounded by peers who do not value education, they are more likely to neglect their schoolwork, abscond classes or cheat during exams. This lack of interest and dishonesty limits the learner’s potential for academic success.

Learners who feel pressured to conform to their peers’ expectations may feel distraught if they do not meet these standards.

This leads to social isolation, feelings of inadequacy and a sense of not belonging, all of which can contribute to poor mental health outcomes and low self-esteem.

A toxic social environment can develop at school where bullying, unhealthy cliques and exclusion are common. Learners who are unable to resist peer pressure may find themselves on the receiving end of negative behaviour from others. This leads to insecurity and lack of trust in their peers.

Ultimately, this affects their social development and ability to form healthy relationships with others.

However, learners can overcome peer pressure at school by developing a strong sense of self-esteem. By cultivating a positive self-image, learners can feel more confident in their decisions and not feel the need to conform to their peers’ expectations.

Setting achievable goals, positive self-talk or affirmations and celebrating personal achievements can improve self-confidence and overcome peer pressure.

Forming positive peer relationships can help learners at school.

Association with supportive and like-minded peers makes learners feel empowered to make choices that are in their best interests. Positive peer relationships can offer learners a sense of belonging and acceptance.

This reduces the need to conform to negative peer pressure. Strong friendships based on mutual respect and understanding can create a reassuring network that encourages individuality and self-expression.

Another critical way of overcoming peer pressure is communicating one’s boundaries and values.

Assertive communication skills can help learners to navigate peer pressure situations with clarity and confidence. This can be practised by expressing their opinions calmly and confidently, saying “No” whenever they feel uncomfortable with certain peer influences.

By being assertive, learners can be independent and resist negative peer pressure without compromising their values.

With these strategies and attributes, learners can stay true to themselves and make informed decisions that are in line with their values and beliefs, free from negative peer influences.

Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Contact details: 0774122288, E-mail: [email protected]