Risky Behaviours Associated with Peer Pressure

Peer pressure has been defined to be the direct or indirect influence on peers. Members of a peer group are more likely to influence a person's beliefs, values, and behaviour. Most of the time, the behaviours influenced by peers are dangerous to the physical and mental well-being of individuals. In today's blog, we will be focusing on the risky behaviours associated with peer pressure. Shall we?

Substance Use: To feel accepted by a peer group, substance use can be adopted. Substance use can therefore lead to substance abuse and substance use disorders.

Various substances can be misused such as cannabis, marijuana, sleeping pills, opiates(morphine and codeine)etc. Abuse of these substances is dangerous to the health of individuals.

Violent behaviours: Behaviours such as bullying others, cyberbullying, aggressiveness, engaging in fights etc are examples of behaviours that can be influenced by peers. Whenever an individual starts to use drugs, it is most likely to be followed by violence and aggressive behaviours.

Misguided Sexual Behaviours: As a result of peer pressure, many individuals have been involved in a lot of risky sexual behaviours such as engaging in unprotected sex, increased sexual activities and sex partners. Putting themselves at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Early pregnancy, abortion etc can also stem from these behaviours.

It is important to be well-informed before engaging in any sexual activity to be safe.

Smoking and Alcohol Dependence: Peer pressure among friends, family members, work associates etc can encourage drinking. Consistent drinking of alcohol over a long period can lead to alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence is harmful to the health of individuals.

Negative Body Image: In a circle of friends, certain body images are idolized and believed to be the best type of body.

Body shaming among peers whether on social media or physically has driven many people to make rushed decisions on changing certain things about their bodies. Also, it has pushed people to dress in a certain way just to be accepted by their friends or to be trendy. There are also extreme diets and exercises pushing their body beyond its limits.

It is important to check if our behaviours are being positively influenced or negatively influenced by peers. Our physical and mental well-being is important and therefore, putting ourselves at risk is not an option.

What other risk-associated behaviours are you aware of?

Kindly give your comment.

Thank you.