Schools can be challenging at times for children. Apart from rigorous academics and the
pressure of scoring well in class, many students face peer pressure from their classmates. It is seen in every school. In this blog, we will not only talk about how to avoid peer pressure but also let you know about one of the CBSE schools in Howrah district.
Kolkata (Howrah) is not only popular for its heritage culture and food but also for its schools and colleges. One such CBSE-affiliated school in Howrah is Sudhir Memorial Institute Liluah. It is an English-medium school that starts from toddlers to class 12 and provides the best facilities ever to its students.
Peer pressure is acommon experience that many individuals encounter throughout their lives. It refers to the influence that friends, colleagues, or acquaintances can exert on our thoughts, behaviour, and decision-making processes. While peer pressure can be positive and encouraging, it can also lead us to make choices that may not align with our values or best interests. In this blog post, we will explore some effective strategies for avoiding
negative peer pressure and staying true to yourself.
There is a thin line between peer pressure and bullying, although they may seem quite similar. Bullying is when a person harasses another person and threatens them with physical or emotional harm. This can be from an adult to a student, from older children to younger ones, etc. Peer pressure is when one’s own peers or children of the same age or group bully them into trying new activities or acting in a certain way.
Peer pressure usually has an end goal, whereas bullying may just cause harm or discomfort to the victim. For example, bullying is when a single student or a group of students tease someone by calling them names, hitting them, etc. Peer pressure is when a group of students force their classmates to try a harmful activity. If the victim does not ‘give in’ to the bully’s requests, peer pressure may ultimately lead to bullying.
Peer pressure usuallyoccurs in adolescents because they want to seem cool or imitate the popular group at school. It may involve trying drugs or alcohol, dressing a certain way, pursuing a bad lifestyle, engaging in illegal activity, etc. We cannot really point out an exact reason as to why some students fall victim to peer pressure.
As a teenager, onecannot really avoid having to face bullies or peer pressure, but here are some
ways parents and students can deal with the situation effectively:
1. Haveopen conversations with your child.
2. Befirm with your beliefs.
3. Buildconfidence
4. Beselective with your social circle.
5. Learnto say no.
Have open conversations with yourchild.
It is seen that manytimes children are afraid to seek advice from parents and teachers because they find it uncomfortable to do so. A child can bring up these topics during a dinnertime conversation. Make it clear to them that some activities, although they might sound exciting, are extremely harmful for their health. For example, one can bring up the topic of wearing makeup to school and explain how, although it may look nice, it ultimately affects one’s skin. Do not use phrases such as ‘I forbid you from trying this’ or You’re not allowed to do this’. Instead, explain to them the consequences of their actions and allow them to make their own decisions. This strengthens their own principles and makes them less likely to fall prey to peer pressure.
Be firm with your beliefs.
As a teenager, it'stough to keep up with academics at school as well as be accepted into a friend group. Especially as a new student, making new friends can be quite intimidating, so when they pressure you into trying something dangerous, it is only natural that you may want to say yes. For example, as a new student at school, some of your classmates may pressure you into skipping a class. Even though you know it is wrong to skip classes, you may feel obliged to say yes in order to feel accepted into the group. In situations like these, be firm with your beliefs about what is correct and what is wrong. Explain to your
classmates that you don’t wish to get into trouble and that you’d really like to attend the class. Some of them may make fun of you and tease you for not being ‘brave’ enough. Don’t take them too seriously; simply laugh it off. Remember, your true friends are those who respect your decisions.
Build confidence
In many instances, children are victims of peer pressure simply because they want to be able to make their own decisions. The teachers of CBSE-affiliated school in Howrah,along with the parents of children, build self-confidence by appreciating them everywhere. This gives them a sense of responsibility and makes them less likely to make decisions that may harm them.
Be selective with your socialcircle
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share similar values and interests can significantly reduce the chances of succumbing to negative peer pressure. Seek out friends who support and respect your decisions, even if they may have different opinions. Remember, it's better to have a few genuine friends who accept you for who you are than a large group that pushes you to compromise your values.
Learn to say no
One of the mostcrucial skills for resisting peer pressure is learning to say "no" assertively and confidently. Practise communicating your boundaries and sticking to your decisions without feeling guilty. It's important to remember that saying "no" to something that doesn't align with your values or interests is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don't be afraid to express your opinions and stand up for what you believe in.
Conclusion
Peer pressure is a common challenge, but by following these tips, you can effectively navigate social
situations while staying true to yourself. Building self-confidence, choosing the right social circle, learning to say no, educating yourself, practising assertive communication, and seeking support are all essential strategies for avoiding negative peer pressure. CBSE school admission in Howrah is inprocess; for more updates, kindly visit the website.
