Dealing with peer pressure is a major challenge for us all. Many youths are into drugs, sex, alcohol and other immoral life due to peer pressure. But why?

The Reason Youths Follow Their Peers

1. Desire to be popular and to be accepted by peers.

2. Need to talk with someone who “understands” or who will make them feel loved or needed.

3. Lack of self-confidence.

4. Feelings of insecurity.

Peer influence is not necessarily bad. Pro. 27:17 says: “By iron, iron itself is sharpened. So one man sharpens the face of another.” Fellowship with other youth can ‘sharpen’ your personality and make you a better person – if those peers have mature, healthy attitudes.

But on many occasions, youth sadly lack maturity – both mental and spiritual. Many youths have viewpoints and opinions that are unsound, unreliable, and even reckless. So when a youth unquestioningly comes under the control of peers, it may be little more than the blind leading the blind. The result can be disastrous.

How Would You React?

It may be easy to say, ‘I’m not afraid of what others think!’ but maintaining that resolve in the face of peer pressure is quite another thing. In most cases, you find it difficult to say No! But if you are afraid to say no to your peers, you will end up saying no to yourself, to your standards, and to your parents. How then can you develop the strength to stand up to peer pressure?

Dealing with Peer Pressure

1.      Develop a thinking ability – with thinking ability you don’t have to lean upon inexperienced peers for direction. At the same time, you are not to be over self-confident and ignore the opinions of others. (Pro. 14:16). He or She is willing to “listen to counsel and accept discipline” so as to “become wise” – Pro. 19:20.

Don’t be surprised, though, if you are disliked or even ridiculed for using your thinking faculties. But really, who has more strength, those who give in to their passions and emotions or those who can say no to improper desires? (Pro. 16:32)

2.      Escaping the snare. Know that the desire to be accepted by your peers can likewise be a trap or snare. It can lure you into the trap of violating godly standards. How can you escape this snare?

A.    Choose your friends carefully! (Pro. 13:20). Associate with those who have Christian values and standards.

B.     Listening to your parents. This also helps you to resist peer pressure. (Pro. 23:22). They are likely working hard to teach you proper values.

C.    Be skilled and competent. This can help reduce peer pressure. Become skilled in what you do at school and at home. When you are good at what you do, you then do not have to depend on peer approval for good self image.

D.    Maintaining a proper relationship with God. This is the most important factor. A relationship with God can strengthen you to stand up to your peers. Through active studying of God’s Word, prayer and fellowship with Christians.

Written by E Samuel [Ghana]