- Peer pressure is a common experience for many young people and it can sometimes lead to risky behaviours
- It is important to identify the signs of peer pressure in order to tackle it early on
- Here are tips to help you identify and handle peer pressure
Peer pressure is one of the biggest challenges faced by Nigerian youth today. From the constant need to keep up with the latest trends to the pressure to fit in socially, young people sometimes find themselves making choices that are influenced more by their friends and surroundings than by what they truly believe in.
Peer pressure can come from all sides, friends, classmates, social media, and even family. It’s not always bad, but when it leads to harmful decisions like overspending, partying excessively, smoking, or drinking, it becomes a problem.
Here’s how to recognise peer pressure and overcome it
How to recognise peer pressure and overcome it
1. Recognize the signs of peer pressure
The first step in handling peer pressure is identifying it. Sometimes, it’s not as obvious as someone directly telling you what to do. It could be having the sudden desire to get the latest iPhones after seeing your friends with it, even when you can't afford it. Other times, it could be pressure to join the party scene, drink, or even smoke, just to look cool or belong.
Some signs of peer pressure include:
- Feeling like you have to do something to be accepted
- Constantly comparing yourself to others
- Spending money on things you don’t really need
- Feeling guilty or uncomfortable after following the crowd
2. Understand your values and set boundaries
It’s easy to get caught up in trends and behaviours when you’re not clear about what you stand for.
Ask yourself; What are my values? What do I believe in? If buying an expensive phone, partying every weekend, or smoking doesn’t align with your values, then it’s easier to resist the pressure to do so.
Setting boundaries means being clear with yourself and others about what you will and won’t do. For example, if you’ve decided that drinking or smoking isn’t for you, don’t be afraid to say no when you’re offered. Stick to your decision, and don’t feel the need to explain it to anyone.
3. Find like-minded friends
One of the best ways to deal with peer pressure is to surround yourself with people who share your values. If you hang around people who constantly party, spend recklessly, or engage in harmful habits, there is a high chance you’ll be pressured to do the same.
On the other hand, if your friends are focused on personal growth, academics, or career goals, you’re more likely to stay on track.
It doesn’t mean cutting off friends entirely, but try to build a circle that encourages healthy, positive behavior. Find people who support your decisions, whether it’s to avoid smoking, save money, or spend your weekends doing something productive.
4. Learn to say no
This is probably one of the hardest but most important skills to master. Saying no can sometimes feel like you're rejecting your friends, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Practice saying no in a respectful but firm way.
For example, if your friends invite you to a party where you know things could get out of hand, you can simply say, “I’m not feeling up for it today, but I hope you have fun!” If they pressure you to buy something expensive, you can say, “It’s not in my budget right now.”
Remember, true friends will respect your decision. If someone gets upset because you won’t do something that makes you uncomfortable, they may not have your best interests at heart.
5. Find alternatives
Sometimes, the reason peer pressure works so well is because people don’t have any alternatives. Everyone is going to the latest club? Suggest a different plan like watching a movie together or going out for a meal. Instead of spending all your money on an expensive iPhone, look for a more affordable option that still serves your needs.
The key is to have options that align with your values and make you feel comfortable. You don’t always have to do what others are doing to have fun or stay connected.
6. Focus on your long-term goals
A lot of the things young people do under peer pressure provide short-term satisfaction. Buying an expensive phone or going to a party might make you feel good in the moment, but what happens afterwards? Does it help you achieve your long-term goals?
When you have clear goals for your future, like getting a degree, starting a business, or saving money, it becomes easier to resist peer pressure. Remind yourself of what you want to achieve, and consider how your actions today are either helping or harming your progress.
7. Seek guidance from mentors
Talking to older or more experienced people who have been through similar situations can help. A mentor can offer advice, share their own experiences, and provide support when you feel overwhelmed by peer pressure. This could be an older sibling, a teacher, or even a trusted family friend.
8. Don’t be afraid to be different
In Nigeria, there is often a lot of pressure to fit in. Everyone wants to follow the latest trends or be part of the crowd. But it’s okay to be different. Stand out by staying true to yourself and your values. If you’re not interested in certain trends or behaviours, then don’t be. Your uniqueness is what makes you special, and it will eventually attract people who appreciate you for who you are.
20 ways you can romanticise your life
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported on 20 ways you can romanticise your life as it will inspire you with ideas that help elevate your everyday life.
Among them are reading a book, capturing moments of beauty, rearranging your living space, painting your nails, taking yourself on dates and learning a new hobby.