We see on a daily basis how people we once knew as good individuals change after they start school. At times, their behavior becomes the direct opposite of what it used to be. Often, we wonder and may even attribute it to the devil, but the truth is, there is something called peer pressure, and it has greatly affected many people, especially teenagers and youths.
Peer pressure is the process by which members of the same social group influence others to do things they may be resistant to or might not have otherwise chosen to do.
Even in secondary schools, this issue is very common. I remember a year ago, at the beginning of a new school session, new students were arriving as usual. Among them was a young lady who was calm and intelligent. She responded to questions in class and was always first or second in position. But at some point, I noticed that she started making many friends, including those who were often seen outside during classes. Her hairstyle changed, she could no longer answer questions in class, and she began to act pompous and disrespectful. Above all, her academic performance dropped significantly. It was evident in her results, as she was nowhere near the fourth position. This was a clear case of peer pressure at work.
The same thing happens even in higher institutions, and it has affected many of us, if we are honest with ourselves. Personally, I have been doing my best to handle it. Back in school, whenever I remembered where I came from and what brought me there, it served as a strong reminder. Moreover, the thought of how my parents would feel after spending their little resources, only for their effort to seem wasted, was enough motivation to stay focused.
Above all, contentment and self-discipline are the keys to handling peer pressure. I have learned over time to do things within my means while working hard and planning to achieve more. If I see something good that I like but cannot afford, I work hard to get it instead of doing something illegal. Sometimes I tell myself that when the time is right, I will have it, and truly, that has always been the case.
One major reason many young boys and girls go astray is because they try to compete with their peers to achieve things they are not yet capable of or to own what they cannot afford at their stage in life. This pressure often pushes them into making wrong choices. Therefore, peer pressure is something we all need to watch out for. Parents should also teach their children contentment and self-discipline because many of these issues begin at home as a result of behaviors and lifestyles that were ignored.
