Teenage years are one of the most exciting yet confusing stages in a person's life. You are no longer a child, yet not quite an adult. One of them is your pastime.
Some pastimes have no moral implications. For example, shall we play basketball or soccer? Some examples include attending a party where there will be alcohol and drugs freely given out, lying to your parents or even skipping school to watch a movie with some friends. How do you respond? Will you follow them?
Wanting to feel part of a group may force you to do things against your better judgement. However, it is okay to say no to anything that is illegal, or potentially causes harm or is hurtful to you or others. But you do not let that stop you from standing up to peer pressure and being true to yourself. If your friends are true friends, they will respect your decision and not force you to join them.
There are some steps you may take to keep away from negative peer pressure. Firstly, stay away from friends who force you to do things that you know are wrong. Instead, spend more time with friends who share the same value as you. And if a situation gets out of hand, do not hesitate to approach an adult you trust for help.
It may not always be easy to resist peer pressure, but do know that you will feel good about yourself later. And even without you realizing it, you may have been a catalyst in your group to bring about a positive change.
A. This is when you form a new habit of making friends.
B. Next, be true to yourself and stick to what you believe in.
C. You are at a time of exploration, trying to find out your preferences.
D. These peers no longer have the ability to develop their own personality.
E. You may be afraid to refuse for fear of losing friends or being laughed at.
F. However, there are other choices that need to be made based on your values in life.
G. Others in your group may just follow your lead and gain courage to do the right thing.
