PEER-PRESSURE

by Busola Omotoye

"When you say 'Yes' to others, make sure you aren't saying 'No' to yourself."

Paulo Coelho

The greatest accomplishment a man can achieve is to stay and be true to himself irrespective of what others are trying to make him do. People always tend to force their opinions on others which sometimes brings positive and negative consequences depending on the matter at hand. This is why it is pertinent that whatever decision we make, we ensure that we make them right, not because of what others are saying but because it is the right thing to do.

In today's article, we will be looking at the definition of peer pressure, who can be influenced and the influence the family, the environment and the society plays in the life of a child.

DEFINITION OF PEER PRESSURE

Peer pressure is the influence exerted by a group, encouraging them to change their attitudes, values or behaviors to conform with the group's norms.

Wikipedia defines it as a direct or indirect influence on peers.

It can also be defined as the process whereby a person is influenced to act a certain way.

Looking closely, you will notice that the word constantly being repeated is change.

The main purpose of peer pressure is it change or influence people's attitudes. Conformity, however, isn't always headed towards the wrong direction, it could also be positive.

WHO CAN BE INFLUENCED?

Anyone and everyone can be influenced. I once believed that i was someone who could never be influenced no matter what. But I was, and this time, negatively. I fought it no doubt and I won it but that did not take away the mistakes I had made and the consequence of my actions. As much as you may want to deny it, the company you keep does have an impact and influences your decisions.

People are influenced by peers for diverse reasons. It could be because they want to fit in- have a sense of belonging, be like peers they admire, do what others are doing, or have what others have. Whatever the case maybe it is best to be influenced for the right reasons to ensure you take the best decisions that you would not regret. It can even be the kind of environment they find themselves in.

There is no body above influence, what's most important is to stand your ground and stick to your morals because they will be tested. It always pays and gives a sense of fulfillment when you choose the right path.

It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going towards the wrong direction- do what you feel is right.

THE FAMILY AND ITS INFLUENCE

The family is said to be the smallest unit of the society but in actual fact, should be the biggest because of the crucial role that it plays in the life of a child who in turn forms the society and the world at large.

People who we hold in high regard today, those that have proved and earned our respect and admiration belong to a family. So also, bandits, armed robbers and others who indulge in activities that mares the society also belong to families.

So, what exactly would you say happened in their case?

Why do people derive joy in making the world a better place, while others do not?

The family is the most important factor in a child's development, this cuts across all spheres of the child's life, mentally, physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, etc. This is why it is very important that the family inculcates in the child acceptable and respectable morals, values and attitudes.

Despite all these it is important to note that, a child may still not end up accepting those morals. This is because he/she has a mind of his own. Nevertheless, it is germane that everyone plays their given roles.

THE ENVIRONMENT ITS INFLUENCE

The environment also plays a pivotal role in shaping and influencing a person as it affects human behavior.

In this sense, it includes the type of environment, the kind of people living in that environment and the security of that environment.

Take for instance, a person who lives in a serene environment from the early stages of his life to adolescence might most likely not like noisy or crowded places. So also, a person who lives in a noisy environment may end up enjoying noisy or crowded places, becoming an extrovert, having chatty friends and might even end up being loquacious. This is likely to happen in most cases but not all. Still, it is better to be careful than sorry.

Who and what a child becomes isn't defined from birth but the experiences he gets growing up in his environment. Providing a positive environment is best as it can lead to behavior's like self-reliance and adaptability.

THE SOCIETY AS AND ITS' INFLUENCE

Social influence comprises the ways in which individuals adjust their behavior to meet the demands of a social environment. The society affects our values and our choices- what we find to be right or wrong. It is also responsible for changing our perspectives about things we don't know and things we already know.

The society promotes and teaches us acceptable human standards and affects the kind of decisions we make. We cannot totally change the society we belong to, but we can be agents of change in our own little way. In our Schools, workplace, church and wherever we find ourselves. We can start this change by being people who others can emulate and by influencing others positively.

The desire to fit in and feel like you are part of a group is normal, this happens especially with teens and young adults, however, trying to be something you are not, is a total waste of your authenticity. What's the use of following the crowd when you were born to stand out?

do not let anyone make you something you are not, remember what it is that you want to follow it squarely.

" Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds".