Peer Pressure: The dark side

Peer pressure is dangerously a true phenomenon that is prevalent. Most of the times, we believe peer pressure enable success. While that may be true in many cases, it need not be the same in most cases. Walking into a foreign land with peer pressure can be a nightmare for many of us. ‘You are known by the company you keep’ works for the most of us. They can mold you, or sometimes even disintegrate you, leaving you shattered. 

What we fail to do is to make the peer pressure work in our favor. Once you know that, peer pressure negatively, will cease to exist. 

The peer influence

Often, psychologists, academicians and even students have discussed how peers have had huge influences on each other’s attitude, ideas and even personal life. Realistically thinking, do these peer pressures actually exist? Yes, they do! For instance, in school the toppers have an immediate effect on the low graders, making them compelled to drift up and out perform them. The pressure is not direct, but it is perceived. These toppers don’t really have to say or do anything, but their effect will make the others take an effort to reach there. What we don’t understand is how good is this ‘effort’.

Instances of direct peer pressure also are seen. How many times have the students been compelled to change their decision or to accept a particular decision of their friend’s? Haven’t we heard of how the students are bullied and cornered to accept their point of view? Instances like these contribute a lot to building a negative impact upon the students themselves. 

It starts at home

Peer pressure is not always from a foreign land. Most often, it is from our own classrooms where children are from diverse background. Pressure then becomes diverse, energetic and highly impactful. This web of characteristics of pressure will have a huge impact in learning among the many students, who are not outspoken, because, pressure hits them the first. They are often bullied into accepting what others say, without leaving them a chance to speak. This way, peer pressure will undermine and impair success of the students with no mercy. Culture shock is a not new in an India, that has diverse set of beliefs and faith. A whole lot of this diversity also contributes to peer pressure, especially when you live in a foreign land. 

The good side of peer pressure

Top Schools in Bangalore, have seen and analyzed how this pressure can be transformed to something good. Learning to say ‘no’ is the first step forward. You don’t have to be the ‘cool kid’ in the block by confirming to standards and practices that makes you uncomfortable. People tend to respect those with assertive personality and saying a ‘no’ when needed will set a bar. 

Peer pressure in no way should make you uncomfortable. If you intend to change, make sure it is voluntary and has some academic and personal benefits for you. It is okay not to ‘fit in’.

The strong impediment to growth comes from unhealthy groups, that does not respect the individual’s stance. If you think you are often being pressured to accept something, it is time you push yourself out of the group.  

Peer pressure is a two-way path. As much as you are being influenced by others, others are being influenced by you too. What is important is to educate the children to take it in the right spirit to ensure you only imbibe the positive attitude.