Peer Pressure and its Effects on Performance
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Peer pressure refers to a process whereby a child changes herself and her values in order to be accepted and to fit in with the group. Peer pressure is often a form of bullying when a child is forced to do something to prove that he or she should be allowed to be part of the group. The effects of peer pressure can be seen from the smallest things like fashions and hairstyles to more serious things like teenagers smoking and drinking to show that their cool.
As children grow, develop, and move into early adolescence, involvement with one's peers and the attraction of peer identification increases. As pre-adolescents begin rapid physical, emotional and social changes, they begin to question adult standards and the need for parental guidance. They find it reassuring to turn for advice to friends who understand and sympathise friends who are in the same position themselves. By "trying on" new values and testing their ideas with their peers, there is with less fear of being ridiculed or "shot down". Yet, mention the word "peer pressure" and many adults cringe because the words are laden with negative connotations. The idea that someone, or something, lures our children into learning dangerous and destructive behaviour by discarding all parental behaviours and values scares adults.
The peer group is important during the adolescent period for many different reasons...