Effects of Peer Pressure

669 Words3 Pages
Effects of Peer Pressure In school, kids are always trying to fit in with the cool crowd. Everyone goes through this, and feels peer pressure from that; I know I did when I was growing up. I definitely wanted to hang out with the cool kids and tried to be something I was not. The majority of us seem to be influenced on the lifestyle of our peers. The way they think, the choices they make, and they way they act all have a huge impact on us. Some feel that since they are our friends and classmates we have to follow the actions they take to fit in and be cool. This can be beneficial to a certain extent, but it also has negative effects too often the negative effects are seen over the good. Negative peer pressure can be damaging to self-esteem. It influences decision making, affects your studies, and increases stress. Peer pressure can even lead to harmful or dangerous behaviors that may cause death sometimes, such as car accidents, alcohol use, drug overdoses, and more. Peer pressure is not always bad. There is positive peer pressure too. It can help you analyze yourself and plan the life you want to live. Sometimes this can teach you different ways of living. Looking at what others do, can help you change the way you think into a positive lifestyle. Peer pressure can actually result in a positive change in your way of life. There are many ways to avoid peer pressure. They consist of; building self-esteem, knowing your strengths, surrounding yourself with friends who share similar values, and considering all the consequences. First, you need to build self-esteem or self confidence. Next you need to know and respect your strength and personal limits. Stand up for yourself. If you know something is wrong, you should be firm about your decision. After that it would be better if you can find friends with whom you share the same values; this will help
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