Peer pressure

     Peer pressure is a huge factor in the lives of students today. A lot of kids can’t decide on anything unless it’s based on someone else. This comes to play in many scenarios like drinking, some good, like following a person’s good example, but is much more prevalent in smoking, sexting, etc. In our generation, it’s hard to say no, especially if the people influencing you are your friends. Student Tia Hyre says, “It’s harder to say no than to give in.” More likely than not, students will have to face peer pressure at some point throughout their high school career.

     Saying no is what has been taught since kids were very young. Realistically, kids are going to be easily influenced and peer pressured into doing things, among them activities like drinking, trying drugs, becoming involved in sexually illicit affairs, etc.

Of course, anyone’s going to do what they think will make them fit in with their age group. Peer pressuring is a very real topic and the only way to deal with it is to continue teaching students to think smart and be their own selves, independent of societal expectations or the judgement of others for not participating in what’s “cool.” Reinforcing independence and the will to say no are the only things that can effectively help. Mikayla Scott says, “Everyone should have the decision to make their own choices and not be peer pressured into things.”