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Peer pressure is something most children experience at some point, and it can be particularly common during the teenage years. As parents it’s important to try and steer our children in the right direction and give them the tools they need to identify and manage it. We should also work to understand the influences our teenagers are under and the kind of pressure they face. To help you discuss peer pressure with your teen, read on for some advice from a Sixth Form in Hertfordshire.
Explain what peer pressure is
Some teenagers might find it hard to spot the signs of being pressured into doing something, or realise when they’re being encouraged to put pressure on someone else. In this case, having an open discussion around the topic will help them understand when it’s happening. Explain that sometimes even close friends can put the pressure on, but that it’s okay to assert boundaries and say when you’re uncomfortable with something.
Encourage good decisions
Give your teen as many chances as possible to act independently and think autonomously so they learn to rely on their own decision-making abilities when challenges arise. Talk to them about trusting their instincts when something doesn’t feel right while encouraging activities which boost their overall confidence and self-esteem. They need to feel capable of stepping away from the crowd when things are going too far.
Keep communication open
Make sure your child knows they can come and talk to you any time about pressure they might be experiencing from peers. Let them know it’s normal to want to fit in, but it’s also okay to go their own way if they don’t want to get involved in something. If they’re struggling, you could practise responses to certain situations using role play or by making use of games or TV programmes which explore peer pressure.
Model assertive behaviour
The ability to act assertively is an important part of resisting peer pressure, but it can be a hard skill for teenagers to master. You can help them by demonstrating assertive behaviour yourself and using certain situations as opportunities to explain about setting and asserting boundaries, and clearly communicating your needs. You’ll help your teen learn different ways to be assertive by modelling it in your everyday family life.
Peer pressure can seem like an inevitable part of childhood, but you can support your child through it by teaching them the skills they need to both spot when it’s happening and deal with it appropriately.
