Undue Influence

Never underestimate the power of peer pressure.

For most teenagers, wanting to be liked and accepted by their friends can be a strong driving influence. It can often result in them choosing to do things they wouldn’t normally do.

Sometimes this can be a good thing. It might mean they join in with activities they might not have tried otherwise or that they work harder at school to get better results.

But there are also downsides. Depending on their friends and what they are getting up to, wanting to be like them can also lead to risk-taking and anti-social behaviour.

Peer pressure can influence everything from the clothes your teen wears and the language they use, through to smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs and becoming sexually active.