Why is peer pressure positive?
Shannon DiDominica
Imagine that your best friend is a little overweight and you are extremely athletic, and you are a straight A student. One day you got back a test you got and A and he got an F. Wouldn't you want to encourage and help your friend pass the next test? Peer pressure can motivate children to achieve academic and physical goals.
For example, children who hang out with active peers are more likely to become engaged in physical activity (Alice Park). About 18% of children in the United States ages 6-11 are obese. Children who aren't active and are obese tend to get diseases that will affect their everyday life. When youths hang out with active peers it encourages them to be active which can reduce obesity and strengthen friendships. According to Alice Park “a persons social network can influence everything from his likelihood of gaining weight or quitting smoking to levels of loneliness and happiness” (Alice Park). Children who have a good group of friends tend to make good decisions in life.
Another example is when the members of a child's or teens friend group believes in doing well in their classes and doing their regular lessons with care, you will find teenagers and children will follow in suit. (Does peer pressure have positive or negative impacts on teen behavior) When your friend gets a better grade than you on a test, doesn't that make you want to work harder and get a better grade on the next test? Studies also show that positive peer groups tend to get involved in several extracurricular activities and sports activities in school. (Does peer pressure have a positive or negative impact on teens) When children and teens are involved in extra curricular activities it can help keep them out of dangerous citations that can affect their lives. Becoming friends with nice and responsible people is most important, it doesn't matter if they are athletic, smart, or good looking, aren't you looking for a friend not a status symbol. Peer pressure can improve academic studies in children and teens.
Peer pressure can influence actions that can ruin your child's life. But in many other circumstances it can help your child to achieve academic and physical goals. Many people think that peer pressure is always bad, it's not! It can help your child's grades, amount of physical activity and can help their social life.
When you have parents or friends that encourage you to achieve academic or physical goals it can help you achieve many things in life. If you encourage your peers it can make a lasting impact.