Technically speaking the definition of peer pressure is “The influence to do something to feel accepted and liked by a group of people. It’s a powerful source that can shape your behaviors, attitudes, and decisions.” This could be someone you look up to, your friends, your teammates, or classmates. 

Peer pressure is a very common and normal occurrence in today’s society. It is recorded that 90% of all teens experience peer pressure. It is most common between the ages of 12-17, however, peer pressure can be positive or negative. 

Negative Peer Pressure

When you are growing up most people feel the pressure to do things that they wouldn’t normally do in order to fit in and follow the crowd. Teens want to be accepted and feel “cool,” even if that is harmful or unhealthy to themselves. 

One of the key concepts involved in peer pressure is underage drinking which has increased significantly in recent years due to peer pressure. According to Gale databases, 75% of teens tried alcohol due to peer pressure. Friends or acquaintances might encourage someone to drink alcohol at parties or social gatherings, making it seem normal or even necessary to have fun. It can start with someone asking if you want a drink then it can lead to them teasing you for not drinking making you feel as though you have to, or you’re “lame.”

Gardner High School Guidance Counselor Mrs. Monique LeBlanc unfolds her exposure to kids giving in to drinking peer pressure, “Unfortunately I’ve seen many cases when high school students gave into negative peer pressure.”

The second most popular behavior teens get peer pressured into doing or starting is vaping or smoking. 70% of people who smoke have started from being peer pressured. 

2024 Research from the US Food and Drug Ad explains that “More than 1 in 4 of current youth e-cigarette users vape daily. More than 1 in 3 youth e-cigarette users report using vapes at least 20 of the last 30 days.”

Mr. Matt LeBlanc a health and wellness teacher from Groton Dunstable High School states, “There has been a significant increase in teens vaping. They have a lot more access to these products now, more than ever. Making it around you more, whether it’s in school or outside of school.” 

Senior Addison Roy agrees with Mr. LeBlanc stating, “It’s nearly impossible to avoid it [vaping] because of how popular and normalized it is, in high school culture.”  

Mr. LeBlanc then goes on to say, “ It seems to be everywhere nowadays making it hard for teens to continue to refuse or to avoid places and people who are using.”

Giving in to these kinds of peer pressure can have major consequences, including legal consequences. Along with excessive amounts of vaping/smoking and drinking can impair your judgment leading to risky behaviors such as drunk driving, getting into fights, and sexual assault. This also includes the long-term effects of developing unhealthy habits. 

So, what does negative peer pressure look like?

Senior Molly Horgan says, “It’s more yourself pressuring you to fit into the norms, than someone actually physically peer pressuring you.” 

Peer pressure is something a lot of people have heard of, but when you think of it most imagine someone bullying another to make them do certain things. Or, physically telling them to do things that they don’t want. 

You rarely hear about being surrounded by certain people who pressure you to do what they do. You are pressured because you do not want to be the lone one out. This is more of a battle between yourself. 

Worrying if you are wearing the latest trendy clothes, hanging out with the popular kids, or even thinking about saying the right thing. Peer pressure is a leading cause of higher stress levels and anxiety. It feeds off the added weight to fit in and the constant self-doubt.  

Navigating away from that is something a lot of teens struggle to do. Finding ways to deal with it is very important to develop your own identity and make your own choices about your life and behaviors. 

Senior Kaycee Blackwell says, “Knowing how to say no is key, along with using your voice. Appreciating your own person, and knowing I don’t need that to be better.” 

Ways to cope with it can include choosing good friends who like you for who you are, learning how to communicate efficiently, making boundaries, as well as knowing your self-worth, and building your confidence. 

Positive peer pressure

Frequently people correlate peer pressure with only being negative but forget about the positive side to it, which is just as important. According to The Center for Parent and Teen Communication, “There are plenty of positive ways peer pressure influences their teen counterparts. Here are five to consider…” They go on to list, “Inspiring Positive Choices, Picking up Healthy Habits, Sharing New Experiences, Offering Moral Support, and Social Media as a positive force.”  

Sophia Campanale, a senior two-sport student-athlete, says, “Being a part of many clubs and sports helps keep me on task and out of trouble. I’m surrounded by other role-model students who are trying to help our community as well.”

Campanale is not alone. She surrounds herself with positive influences that make her want to be a better person and lift her up. In Loudon County, Virginia, they have a Positive Peer Pressure club, which they call the “P3 Club.” This is when people come together to make an effort to make every student feel welcome at school. 

The students in this group range from 6th to 12th grade. They attend different high schools and stand outside with signs and words of encouragement to try to start their day off positively. What’s unique about this club is that each school picks its own individual problem to focus on. The high school group members take an active role in bringing awareness to this issue. 

The Number Works ’n Words states, “Children emulate their role models actions and values, so when they see or experience positive behaviors, they tend to imitate and absorb these behaviors. Role models demonstrate good behavior and habits in turn, help structure students and instill these same traits.” Having role models who want to achieve good grades, join clubs, do sports, do community service, and strive to be a kind person is crucial. Oftentimes we can’t tell but these influencers or role models in our lives are positively pressuring us to be the best version of ourselves. 

At Oakmont Regional High School we offer a peer leader program that displays leadership roles where they do tons of community service and events. Sophomore Mia Curtis says, “When I came to Oakmont as a freshman, the upperclassmen were encouraging me to join peer leaders, so I did, and now a year later I’m so glad I did. Now I’ve taken on the role of telling the Freshman to join.” Positive peer pressure can make teens better.

Sophomore Macie Shattack complies with Curtis, she goes on to explain, “My best friend did cheer and she kept nagging me to do it, finally I gave in even though it was out of my comfort zone, and I did winter cheer. I ended up really enjoying it and made so many more close friends. I’m even going to do it again this year.” 

Students in clubs or after-school activities encourage the underclassmen to join sports teams or clubs that can take them in a positive direction and surround them with leaders that influence good behavior. 

What is important for teens to understand is positive environments, people, and activities are just as influential as negative ones. Having positive influences in your life is significant to your development throughout your teen years. You might not realize the impact other peers have on you.