“We have more to fear from the opinions of our friends than the bayonets of our enemies."
A very good morning to one and all present here.
Today, I’m here to talk about peer pressure being a part of a student’s life.
I didn't know what to do. All these voices were repeating themselves over and over in my head. I didn't want to give into them because I knew what I was doing was wrong. I didn't want everyone to think I was scared but what if my parents found out. Why was I here? Are these people really my friends? They are really doing this to me? These were the vital questions that I didn't know the answers to. I knew in my heart it was wrong but I gave in.
This is usually the typical outcome of a scene like this. It is called peer pressure. It can be disguised in many different forms. Mainly, there are two kinds of peer pressure. The Positive kind and the Negative kind. The positive kind of peer pressure is, being pressured or convinced to do a certain task that you may not have had the confidence to complete or to do yourself. Another kind of positive peer pressure is when friends convince you not to do something that may not have been in your best interest.
Negative peer pressure is just what it sounds like—it is when
Peers try to make you think that they know what is best for you. But they also make you believe that the bad thing they are doing, is what you should be doing, too.
Many teenagers experiment with cigarettes, drinks, drugs because of pressure from peers or friends. The influence of friends who smoke is the main reason teens start, although you are more likely to start if your parents do. Cigarettes, like alcohol, are an acquired taste. But over 30% of people who smoke in their teens become permanently hooked.
Often adolescents drink to feel less uncomfortable and more relaxed with friends and peers and because they are encouraged to do so by other teenagers. Regular excessive drinking can lead to poor school work, social and emotional problems, the use of other drugs and sometimes even suicide!
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