PICKING YOUR FRIENDS
A lot of risks are simply a matter of following the crowd and teenagers, sometimes, will do outrageous things to get noticed such as: dangerous pranks, showing- off with weapons or driving recklessly. That’s not only risky but potentially deadly.
Topics:
Overview
Choosing your friends may seem like an easy decision, but falling into the wrong group can have serious consequences. There are many pressures that are associated with growing up and many of them come from your peers. Usually we think of these pressures as negative peer pressure (link) but often, with the right group of friends, positive peer pressure (link) exists.
Positive Peer Pressure
Developing healthy friendships and peer relationships depends on your self-identity, self-esteem, and self-reliance.
Positive peer pressure can motivate you for success and encourage you to conform to healthy behavior. Peers can act as positive role models and demonstrate appropriate social behaviors. They often listen to, accept, and understand the frustrations, challenges, and concerns that you encounter at this stage in your life.
Negative Peer Pressure
Many feel the need for acceptance, approval, and belonging is very important. Those who feel alone or isolated from family and friends are at particular risk to engage in risky behaviors. They just want to fit in.
Some of these negative peer influences can motivate individuals to make choices and engage in behavior that compromises their values and they may find themselves facing problems such as Smoking, using Alcohol and Drugs, Sexual Pressures, Illegal Behavior or problems in school.
