Question: Why do teenagers give in to peer pressure?
Answer: Teens, like adults, are influenced by their peer group. This is normal behavior and is modeled for them by the adults around them almost every minute of every day. We all conform to the social standards set by our peer groups and our teenagers see it.
That said, teens will tend to follow their peers in behaviors that are not considered appropriate or where they will leave their common sense behind. Part of the reason is the ‘newly found’ importance of friendships, as teens are just getting used to their friends having any say in what they do. Then there is the ‘everyone is doing it’ factor that can make a teen feel compelled to comply. Wrap that all up with the normal curiosity that often leads to the risk-taking behaviors of teenagers and you have a credible reason why teens give into peer pressure.
Recommended Book List:
- How to Say No and Keep Your Friends: Peer Pressure Reversal for Teens and Preteens
- Peer Pressure: Deal with it without losing your cool
