Teens Need Help Dealing with Peer Pressure

WARE — Peer pressure can be a daunting challenge for anyone.

“Everybody, no matter what age, is faced with pressure to fit in,” said Dr. Scott Siege, medical director of BMP – Quabbin Pediatrics. “In our teenage years, this pressure can be even stronger because no one wants to feel like an outsider.”

Teens usually spend more time with their peers than they do with their parents. So, it is quite possible that their peers will have an effect on them.  Peer pressure manifests itself in numerous ways, from simple things like the clothes they wear to more serious choices such as smoking, using drugs, or engaging in potentially criminal activity.

“Though not all peer pressure is bad, some of it can have a negative effect on your teenager’s choices,” Siege said before offering some suggestions for parents.

“Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to talk with your children about peer pressure,” he advised. “Point out the challenges that they might face in school or in activities outside of school. Let your teens know that they can come to you about any problems that they face. Actively listen to them. If your teens feel comfortable discussing peer-pressure issues with you, then you’ll be able to help them cope more efficiently and make better decisions.”

One simple safety net parents and teens can create is a code word, Siege added. “Agree on a word with your teens that they can use to signal a problem. For example, if your child is being pressured to get into a car with someone who has been drinking, he or she can call or text home using this word in the message. This signals the need for help, even just to be picked up from a party. Remember, using the code word must ensure no disciplinary action from parents. Just be glad your teen called you and is safe.”