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  • Essay / Peer Pressure Essay - 1256

    “PEER PRESSURE” “Toddlers are more likely to copy the actions of a crowd than those performed by a single person” (Williams) . Some people use the term "peer pressure" to refer to the way groups influence their members to do certain things that they sometimes do not feel comfortable with. However, peer pressure isn't always a bad thing. Most ways that peers influence each other do not take the form of direct pressure or encouragement. People can do what bands do without realizing it. Therefore, some experts suggest that peer influence is a better term for this social force than peer pressure. Peer pressure and other types of peer influence can be quite strong for adolescents. “People are influenced. Research has shown that adolescents are much more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as drug use and sexual activity, if their friends do so. “When we think of peer pressure, we think of teenagers and why they start smoking or drinking” (Haun). Peer pressure is presented as a negative action, but this is not entirely true. Some types of peer pressure are positive. Some groups can encourage teens to excel in school, sports, and other activities. They can also discourage members from engaging in harmful behaviors. Peer pressure also has positive and negative effects on groups. On the positive side, this creates similar norms of behavior to help group members interact. It also strengthens group bonds by giving its members a common social identity. However, peer pressure can harm the group. When all members think and act the same way, the group does not have access to other opinions that could help it solve problems. Research by experts has revealed several factors that tend to strengthen peer influence. For example, people are more willing to accept a group's norms when they care little about an issue. They are also more likely to adopt the opinions of people who are similar to them socially. Additionally, groups have more influence over which individuals actually want to belong to the group. Gangs, fraternities, and professional societies use this principle to force new members to follow their codes of behavior. Peerparents can influence their children's thoughts and actions in several ways. On the one hand, they can promote strong values ​​that keep their children away from harmful behaviors. Teenagers are more likely to resist peer pressure when they care deeply about an issue. Parents can also help their children develop self-confidence and self-esteem, which strengthens their ability to resist peer pressure. Finally, parents can help their children by being interested and involved in their daily lives. Children with strong family ties are more likely to choose friends who don't engage in risky behaviors. Teenagers can also help each other resist peer pressure. Studies have shown that people are more likely to participate in a particular activity if they believe the entire group is in favor of it. If just one person expresses disapproval of a behavior, it becomes much easier for others to express themselves as well. It is even possible that a.