One of the gang
Dr. S. YAMUNA
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Peers are necessary in helping to make a smooth transition from childhood to adulthood. But sometimes peer groups can have a negative influence too.
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P.V.SIVAKUMAR
Five students of Std. XI decided to cut the Physics practicals that afternoon. Siddarth was hesitant. Others tried to convince Siddarth to join them to watch a cricket match. He was called a "sissy" and "not grown up" when he gave reasons for his refusal. Siddarth was helpless. His friends threatened that they would not support him in future. He finally yielded.
Peers are usually the same age, from the same class or are friends in the neighbourhood who have something in common. When peers try to influence and get the teenager to do something, it is called peer pressure. As an adolescent, dress, hairstyle, food fads, slang, possession of cell phones, hobbies, choice of transport to school and so on are determined by the peer group.
Peers are necessary and crucial in helping adolescents make successful transition from childhood to adulthood. Peers act as positive role models, demonstrating appropriate social behaviour and helping to inculcate values. They listen, accept and understand the frustration, challenges and concerns of each other in the group. Peers respect and belong to each other and are available when needed.
Pressure from peers
Sometimes the peer group can have a negative influence on the members like cutting classes, trying cigarettes or alcohol, telling lies, cheating, stealing, high risk sexual behaviour and more.
The fear of ridicule and the longing to be accepted by the peers may be some of the reasons for giving into peer pressure. Teenagers can always say `No', if they are not comfortable with a particular suggestion. They can discuss the reasons why they don't want to participate and can suggest acceptable alternatives. Teenagers should pay attention to their own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong. If the pressure is very high, the teenager should discuss it with parents, school counsellor or paediatrician.
Parents should update themselves about the changing peer profile. This can be achieved by keeping the lines of communication open with their teenager and his/her friends. They should not resort to spying or advising the peer group.
Peers have an indispensable role to play in the development and in the search for self-identity in every adolescent. Teenagers must be able to enjoy the positive aspects of being in a peer group. At the same time, they should be able to sense the negative impact and handle it early with self-confidence.
The author is a Chennai-based consultant paediatrician and adolescent physician. e-mail: dryamunapaed@yahoo.com
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