Peer pressure or social pressure refers to the influence that a group of peers exerts in encouraging a person to change their attitudes. This can occur if the person does not have enough autonomy to differentiate themselves from those and confront their behavior in a manner in accordance with group norms. Peer pressure can be positive or negative.

For example, peer pressure can motivate a teenager to excel academically, develop leadership qualities, become a school group leader, participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer for a good cause, among others. However, peer pressure can also be negative and affect the emotional development of adolescents.

Peer pressure can lead adolescents to make unhealthy decisions, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, having unprotected sex, among others. It is important for parents to talk to their children about peer pressure and teach them how to resist it. Some strategies that can help include open communication, setting limits, building self-esteem, teaching social skills, and modeling healthy behaviors. Remember that every teen is different and may respond differently to peer pressure. It is important for parents to work with their children to find the strategies that work best for them.

When Peer Pressure is negative

It is important to be aware of changes in your child's behavior, as they may be a sign that he is being pressured by her friends. Some signs that your child may be being pressured by her friends include:

1. Changes in behavior, such as changes in dress or interests.

2. Changes in mood, such as sadness, irritability, or anxiety.

3. Loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed.

4. Changes in school performance.

5. Secretive or evasive behavior.

If you suspect that your child is being pressured by her friends, it is important to talk to him and let him know that she is there to help him. Make sure your child knows that he is not alone and that he can count on you for support and guidance.

Peer pressure in adolescence is an important issue and can affect the emotional development of our children. Below are some strategies that can help teens resist peer pressure:

• Open Communication: Create an environment of open communication with your child from an early age. Look for opportunities to ask your child about the pressure she has seen or experienced and how it felt.

• Set limits: Teach your child how to set limits and be assertive in communicating with her. Help him practice saying “no” and express her feelings clearly and directly.

• Build self-esteem: Strengthening your child's self-esteem can help him or her resist peer pressure. Recognize her achievements and help her become aware of herself, her abilities and limitations.

• Teach social skills: Teach your child social skills like empathy, conflict resolution, and decision making. These skills can help your child make healthy choices and resist peer pressure.

• Model healthy behaviors: Parents can model healthy behaviors for their children. For example, if parents smoke, their children are more likely to smoke too. If parents make healthy choices, their children are more likely to make healthy choices, too.

Remember that every teen is different and may respond differently to peer pressure. It is important for parents to work with their children to find the strategies that work best for them. If your child is struggling with peer pressure, consider seeking professional help.