Persuasive Speech Essay

562 Words3 Pages
Why do kids fear peer pressure? Some kids give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they worry that other kids might make fun of them if they don't go along with the group. Others go along because they are curious to try something new that others are doing. The idea that "everyone's doing it" can influence some kids to leave their better judgment, or their common sense, behind. Making decisions on your own is hard enough, but when other people get involved and try to pressure you one way or another it can be even harder. People who are your age, like your classmates, are called peers. When they try to influence how you act, to get you to do something. It's something everyone has to deal with even adults. Let's talk about how to handle it. Two levels of Peer Pressure The first is in the large group: for most teens a school, a youth group, or home~ school group are examples. This is the setting that gets the most attention. The second is in the close relationship with one or several best friends. This is the setting that is sometimes overlooked. The large group exerts a general pressure on its members. It directs the trends in clothing, music, entertainment, and "political correctness". The pressure to conform varies. It is not usually a spoken or written guideline; it's just what "everyone" is doing. The pressure can be avoided by keeping quiet or by putting on the appearance of conformity. The pressure which takes place among close friends is not so easy to escape. You can't fake it with them; they know what you stand for, what you really believe. The nature of close friendship is that you care more about them and their opinions than those of anybody else. What your best friend approves of or disapproves of exerts great pressure on you. This pressure is personal and forceful. It can be hard to go against the grain and
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