Zoe Chakraborty (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Peer pressure can prove crippling to those who are subject to it. It is negatively impacting youth, the most important stakeholders in these environments. As a result of the peer pressure occurring amongst youth, there is a certain longevity to the impacts of this behaviour – it moulds how the child grows up, reacts to others, and how the child fits into society.
Oftentimes, in spaces where peer pressure is rampant among youth, youth do not necessarily understand the gravity of the situation. Later on, they will come to regret it. Youth begin with their collectivist attitude early on, through things like their search for friends and belonging as they leave their parent’s nest. As a result, if peer pressure flourishes in these environments, children will feel an ingrained sense of necessity of conformity. This can prove toxic to how the child decides to explore their identity as they grow up.
Without a doubt, peer pressure is a catalyst for trouble. Peer pressure can cause someone to do something bad that they don’t want to do, such as taking drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances. People easily bend to peer pressure and this can result in bad habits and addictions, which may negatively affect them later on in life. For example, peer pressure may create temptations that lead to a burgeoning addiction. Many negative effects could result from these situations, including financial problems, social problems, and more.
As a result, peer pressure should be mitigated as much as possible. Especially in settings where peer pressure is more likely to occur, such as in a summer camp or at school, limiting peer pressure should be a focus. For those reasons, policies to reduce peer pressure are very important for the healthy development of children and youth.
