Hi there! Today we’re diving into something every teen deals with: peer pressure. But we’re not just talking about it in the old-school way. We’re exploring how the digital world has changed how people and things influence us. Ready? Let’s go!
Peer Pressure in the Digital World
Dealing with Social Media: It’s not just about not comparing yourself to others; it’s about understanding the game:
- Create A ‘Reality Check’ List: Write down things you love about your life that aren’t on social media. This list is your go-to when you feel overwhelmed.
- Curate Your Feed: Actively follow accounts that make you feel good about yourself, whether it’s inspirational figures, hobby-related content, or humor.
Handling Cyberbullying and Online Challenges: It’s about strategies, not just avoidance:
- Develop A Support Script: Have a set of responses ready for negative comments, like “Thanks for your opinion, but I’m happy with who I am.” or “I understand this must be fun for you, but I am not comfortable.
- Evaluate Challenges Critically: Ask yourself, “What’s the purpose of this challenge?” If it’s risky or makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to pass.
The Positive Side of Peer Pressure
Turning Peer Pressure into Positive Action: It’s about channeling energy into constructive paths:
- Start A Positive Trend: Whether it’s a fitness challenge, a book club, or a community project, take the lead in starting something that feels beneficial to you. The key is to choose something that excites you and has the potential to bring positive change or enjoyment to others.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Encourage your friends when they make positive choices, and don’t forget to celebrate your own good decisions. Did a friend finally speak up in class? Give them a shout-out for their bravery. Did you manage to stick to your study schedule for the week? Treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a favorite snack or an episode of a beloved show.
Influencers: Beyond the Glamour: It’s about being a discerning follower:
- Research Your Role Models: Take the time to dig deeper into the lives of your role models. Are they involved in charitable work? Do they behave responsibly off-camera? This will help you see if they truly embody the qualities you admire.
- Balance Imitation With Innovation: While it’s great to draw inspiration from influencers and public figures, it’s crucial to blend that with your originality. For instance, if you love a fashion influencer’s style, try mixing their ideas with your unique accessories or color choices.
Practical Advice for Teens and Parents
For Teens:
- Set Specific Times For Social Media Use. During ‘offline hours,’ engage in activities that don’t involve screens.
- Asserting Yourself: Practice saying no in smaller, less pressured situations. Build up your confidence in your decisions.
- Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms: It’s important to have healthy ways to deal with pressure. Choose a broad field you already like, sports or art for example and prioritize timings for it. This way, you’ll condition yourself into these already enjoyable activities also helping you calm down and reduce stress. If you want to try new activities, you can check out the extremely simple beginners yoga and guided EDM meditations on our app, made specifically keeping you in mind.
- Seek Out Mentors or Trusted Adults: Sometimes, talking to someone who’s been through similar experiences can be incredibly helpful. This could be an older sibling, a favorite teacher or a family friend and guess what? Seeking guidance doesn’t mean you’re not handling things well on your own, its perfectly okay to get a little advice or a listening ear.
For Parents:
- Effective Communication: Use examples from your own life when discussing peer pressure. It makes the conversation more relatable.
- Demonstrate Balance: Show your teen how you balance your digital life with real-world activities. Actions speak louder than words.
- Promote Healthy Social Interactions: Encourage your teen to engage in social activities that align with their interests like sports teams or volunteer work. This helps them to develop friendships based on shared interests, which can be a strong counterbalance to negative peer pressure.
- Stay Informed About Digital Trends: Try to keep up-to-date with latest social media trends and online platforms. This doesn’t mean intruding into your teen’s online privacy, but having a basic understanding of their digital world. It shows your teen that you are interested in their world and can provide guidance that is both practical and empathetic.
Peer Pressure Post-Pandemic
Adapting to New Social Norms: It’s about relearning social skills:
- Ease Back into Socializing: Start with smaller groups or one-on-one hangouts to rebuild your comfort with in-person interactions.
- Create Online/Offline Boundaries: Designate times for virtual socializing and times for in-person activities.
Building a Supportive Network: It’s about quality, not quantity:
- Seek Quality Friendships: Focus on friends who respect your choices and support your goals. Might sound easy, but its harder to do so here’s your reminder that its true.
- Be a Positive Influence: Lead by example. Your actions can inspire your peers to make better choices. Practice what you preach and make conscious efforts to make others feel included and safe to be themselves and set their boundaries too.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Dealing with peer pressure is a part of growing up, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. With these practical tips and a bit of self-awareness, you can find some help and reminders in how to navigate the complexities of adolescence with confidence and authenticity. If you feel like you might still need help, you can always reach out to our team of psychologists 24/7 via call, video call or chat on the Lets Get Happi app. First session’s on us, completely free. Here’s to taking those first steps towards a happier you and not feeling alone.