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Flourish, OKE –
Taking a critical look at these three distinct words “Youth”, “Peer” and “Pressure”.
Youth is the period between childhood and adult age… It’s the early period of existence, maturity, growth and development.
Youthful age is characterized by zeal, vigour, agility, capability and appearance.
Peer simply means people of your age-group, the same social status, the same level or from similar backgrounds. Peers can also be referred to as mates, it could be your classmates, course mates, roommates or your age mates.
Going ahead to describing pressure, pressure is more or less like a force that urges or influences one to make a decision or to carry out an action.
Now, combining these two word, we have peer pressure, from their separate definitions, we should be able to analyze the meaning of “Peer Pressure”.
Peer pressure is the feeling that one must emulate the act of one’s age group or social group, so as to feel among, or to be admired and respected by them. Peer pressure is when you do something because you want to feel accepted and valued by your friends and mates, not minding if it’s right or wrong.
Peer pressure can also be referred to as ‘Peer Influence’.
Peer influence can be positive or negative.
But well, the peer pressure we are all familiar with is the negative aspect.
Getting coarsed into dealing in hard drugs, skipping classes, flirting, prostitution, getting drunk, cultism and thuggery are all effects of negative peer influence.
You want to dress in the latest fashion just like your mates, you want to flow with trend, so you’ll blend with your peers, you want to do everything they’re doing, just to have a say… That’s peer Influence taking it’s toll on you.
This is caused by a lot of factors ranging from low self-esteem, interactions with bad company, Lack of contentment, lack of discipline, poor family background, poverty.
The effects are quite disastrous as it paves way for various social vices, ranging from cultism, internet fraud, prostitution, truancy, drug abuse and alcoholism, examination malpractice, drug trafficking to theft and robbery, thereby leading to social decadence.
Not only does peer pressure affects the society, its effect is more on an individual.
Coping well with peer influence is about getting the right balance between being yourself and fitting in with your peers.
As students and as youth, there’ll definitely be this urge to feel among and seem equal with your colleagues and peers…
These peers don’t necessarily have to convince you in words… Their lifestyle and actions is enough to entice you, and that’s where discipline and contentment comes in.
Many have fallen victims of peer pressure, they want to fit in and they would stop at nothing to achieve that.
Now let’s talk about coping with peer pressure. As youths, we get easily influenced by what we see; on social media, on campus, on the street and any other social gatherings, what we hear and what goes on around us.
The type of friends you interact with will definitely have an influence on you. Choose your friends wisely, don’t move with friends who make you feel awkward, if you feel you don’t fit into a particular group you move with, such group is toxic for your mental health, isolate yourself from them, cut your coat according to your cloth.
Build your self-esteem, build your courage, build your confidence, you’re special just the way you are, you are unique, you are one of a kind, don’t let anyone look down on you, you don’t have to be like anyone. You’re an original not a photocopy, don’t try to emulate anyone.
Set a standard for yourself and don’t compromise no matter the circumstance, it’s called integrity. Know what you stand for and don’t let any sugarcoated lip bring down this standard.
Be contented, you might be among those who aren’t lucky to be born with a silver spoon, but I bet you, you can still be happy even with your wooden spoon, it’s called contentment, contentment has nothing to do with your riches or resources, it’s a condition of the mind. Contentment brings happiness and satisfaction. Contentment is a virtue that birth other virtues.
The role of discipline cannot be over emphasized. Learn to ignore some things that may seem enticing at times, learn to say no to things that’ll degrade your morals, learn to stand for the truth and the truth only, remember the son and daughter of whom you are.
Stay focused and avoid distractions.
Have the fear of God… Let God guide you in every decision you’re about to make and in every action you are about to take.
Stay connected with mentors and coaches, they’ll definitely assist you in building your confidence and help you cope with peer influence.
Peer pressure is quite inevitable, but the choice remains yours to give in to the pressure or to ignore it and take your stand.
