Peer pressure and competition on teens lives

Understanding Peer Pressure & Competition Among Teens

Bruno Guimarães 11th year

January 2024

index

Introduction

What is Peer Pressure?

Understanding Competition

Case Studies/Examples

Conclusion

introduction

• We've been asked since we were little what we want to be, but it's only when we're teenagers that we really know how to answer that question. This response is influenced by the lives of the people around us, which leads us to compare ourselves to such people, exposing us to peer pressure.

• This peer pressure results in competition between teens, which can be toxic or harmful.

What is Peer Pressure?

Peer pressure and its forms in a teen life

• Peer pressure refers to the influence that individuals within a peer group exert on each other, compelling one to change their attitudes, behaviors, or actions to conform to group norms or expectations. In the context of teens, peer pressure can significantly impact their decisions, choices, and overall development, many times writing their future.

Positive and negative peer pressure

• Risky Behaviors
• Social Exclusion
• Negative thoughts

• Encouraging Positive Behavior
• Supportive Influence
• Inspiration for Growth

+ INFO

Forms of Peer Pressure in Teens' Lives:

• Social Acceptance: Teens often feel the need to fit in with their peer groups, leading them to conform to behaviors or choices even if they disagree with them.

• Peer Influence on Decision-Making: Friends' opinions can heavily influence teens' decisions about relationships, hobbies, academic choices, and even future aspirations.

• Online Peer Pressure: With the prevalence of social media, teens face pressure to maintain a certain image or follow trends, which can impact their self-esteem and behaviors.

Case Studies/Examples

Pressures Faced by Teens

Substance Use:

Social Behavior:

Relationships:

Friends' opinions or experiences in relationships can influence teens' choices in their own romantic endeavors, sometimes leading to decisions that aren't aligned with their desires.

Teens may feel pressured to conform to certain behaviors or trends to gain acceptance within their peer group, even if it contradicts their values or beliefs.

Peers might pressure teens to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, either to fit in or as a result of social situations.

Appearance and Body Image:

Online Influences:

Academic Performance:

Peers' achievements and competitiveness can create pressure for teens to excel academically, sometimes leading to unhealthy levels of stress and anxiety.

Pressure to conform to certain body image ideals portrayed by peers or on social media can cause body dissatisfaction and unhealthy habits.

Negative interactions or pressure online can deeply impact teens' mental health and self-esteem.

Understanding Competition

Understanding competition in the context of teens involves recognizing its impact, both positive and negative, on their development and well-being.

Negative Aspects of Competition:

Forms of Competition in Teens' Lives:

Positive Aspects of Competition:

• Motivation and Improvement
• Setting Goals
• Building Resilience

• Stress and Anxiety
• Overemphasis on Winning
• Peer and Self-Comparison

• Academic Pressure
• Extracurricular Competitions
• Social Comparison

COnclusion

Understanding these forms of peer pressure is crucial in helping teens navigate their social circles and make informed choices. Encouraging positive friendships, building self-confidence, and teaching critical thinking skills can empower teens to resist negative peer pressure and embrace positive influences. Additionally, fostering open communication between teens and trusted adults can provide essential support in handling peer pressure situations.

Thank you for your attention.

Managing Competition for Teens, for a less pressed life:

• Promoting Healthy Mindsets: Encouraging teens to focus on personal growth and improvement rather than solely on winning can alleviate stress.

• Balancing Challenges: Ensuring that teens have a healthy balance between competition and leisure, avoiding excessive pressure and burnout.

• Teaching Coping Skills: Equipping teens with coping strategies like time management, stress reduction techniques, and perspective-taking helps them manage competitive stress.