Many teens strive for independence, some wishing to break away from their parents, and others seeking validation from their friends. But in reality, a teenager’s brain is still developing, and one skill that they still need to develop is the ability to judge a situation or decision. Teens will often turn to their friends for advice and reassurance, and the desire to belong in a group will often lead to peer pressure. With that being said, here are ways that peer pressure can affect your teen’s mental health:
- It affects productivity
If your teen lacks the motivation or can’t concentrate on their school work, they may be under pressure from something else. Peer pressure can affect their attendance at school and reduce their school performance, leading to poor grades.
- It affects their self-esteem
If your teen is lucky, their group of friends might uplift their self-esteem and boost their confidence more. However, if they are under constant scrutiny from their circle of friends, it negatively affects their self-esteem and makes them discontent with their physical features or skills.
- They get pushed into bad habits
In extreme cases, your teen could be pushed to take up bad habits, such as risky behaviors, smoking, alcohol consumption, and the like. This not only affects their mental health and possibly causes depression, but it can also lead to physical health issues in the long run.
If you suspect that your teen could be under peer pressure, you may be at a loss as to how you can help them. Constant positive affirmation can help your teen build self-esteem and develop a sense of self.
You also have the option to seek counseling for your teen. With the help of the resources and support we provide at Community Mental Health (CMH), teens under peer pressure can achieve positive mental health and grow to be upstanding members of the community. For more details about our services, please send us an email at drgeorge@communitymh.com.