Peer pressure is a social phenomenon where people are influenced by the actions or words of their peers, which significantly impacts the development of all individuals, but mainly teenagers. Teenagers and young adults are known to be more vulnerable to the pressure that is applied to them by their peers, whether it is at a party, social event, or even school. In high school, students and adolescents are trying to find their own identity. Sometimes that identity slowly becomes lost when they give in to their peers’ influence. Oftentimes, students become more vulnerable to peer pressure because most of the time their values are not set yet, and they have not built the confidence to say no (High Focus Center).
While teens navigate through the realm of highschool, their brains are still in the prime stage of development, and one of the main areas of development is the maturing function of judgment (Scripps). When in high school, teens tend to care a lot about what their peers think of them and how they will be viewed as different if they choose to stay out of something. This is when the idea of peer pressure becomes a very hard thing to say no to.
To continue, highschool is a time period where many students begin to attend social events, such as parties for various occasions. Parties in high school are held year round by many different people. Most holidays, like Halloween, Fourth of July, and more, follow up with high school parties. These types of environments are usually where peer pressure comes into play. Although 92.4% of high school students have tried an alcoholic beverage (National Library of Medicine), more than two-thirds, or 69% of students, have fallen victim to the consumption of alcohol due to peer pressure (Drinkaware).
The topic of peer pressure not only affects students around the world, but specifically here at Yorba Linda High School. The topic of peer pressure is something that is hard for students to talk about and share their own personal experiences with, but Kennedy Conrad (11) expresses how she has “. . . seen and experienced peer pressure not only at social events but also at school with [her] classmates who want answers for homework or help on tests at school.”
In summary, peer pressure is a global issue that most of the world is affected by pretty often. Although it is very difficult at times to “just say no” to your peers or close friends, it is important to stand up for what is right. By sharing personal experiences around campus or around the world, we can encourage those who struggle with saying “no” to stay true to who they are, and not let their peers affect their character.
