Peer influence is a powerful force that can affect how young people may think, act, and even decisions that might be made. While sometimes peer influence can be a positive thing, it tends to be more negative. The pressure to fit in, gain approval, or avoid judgment can cause individuals, especially teenagers, to make negative choices that may go against their own personal values.
Teenagers’ brains are not fully developed, making it way easier to fall for peer pressure. Gurinder Dabhia, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo, says that “A teenager’s brain is only about 80 percent developed.” Then continues to say that “Teens have extra unconnected synapses in the area where risk-assessment occurs, and this gets in the way of judgment,” she states that “In addition, the prefrontal cortex is underdeveloped, which makes teens more sensitive to peer pressure and risky behavior.”
Mental health is a HUGE part of becoming a negative peer influence and/or hanging around one. Remember that misery loves company. Negative influences lead to peer pressure, which can lead to drinking, smoking, vaping, drugs, etc. Negative influences are not only people who can be found in your community though; negative influences can be found on social media, books, movies, etc. According to Brown Health University, social media can lead to cyberbullying, social anxiety, depression, and exposure to content that is not age appropriate. Due to the fact that most users are younger, the content they are viewing is more likely to affect them.
Children who are less confident in their own skin are much more likely to fall victim to peer pressure from a negative influence. According to rasingchildren.net “If your child is happy with who they are and their choices and values, they’re less likely to be influenced by other people. Your child might choose to do some things that their friends do, but not others. And your influence is important here – it’s the biggest factor shaping your child’s values and long-term choices.” Middle school is a huge change and difference from elementary school. Middle school and high school students tend to be the most insecure causing them to just want to fit in.
You might be scrolling on tiktok and see someone you know participating in substance use, harassment, bullying, etc, and think they look cool and want to join them. But those are the type of negative influences you shouldn’t surround yourself with, even if they aren’t pressuring you into joining with those negative choices, you are just as good as the friends you choose.
