Peer pressure is feeling like you have to go along with something because your friends are doing it.
Under pressure
Many young people can experience peer pressure. You may feel pressurised by your friends, by your family, by activity on social media or by others who are close to your age.
Young people can feel under pressure to:​
Behaving in a way that might put you at risk, such as:​​
- Drinking, smoking or using drugs
- Shoplifting or skipping school
- Sexting, sending nude photos or having sex
Look a certain way by:
- Gaining or losing weight
- Being a certain size
- Dressing a certain way
Bully others by:
- Calling a person names
- Spreading rumours that are not true
- Leaving a person out
Be yourself
It can be hard not to go along with others when you want to fit in. It might help to remember:
- If you're asked to do something that you're not comfortable with, you have a right to say 'No'
- You have a right to make a decision that helps you to feel happy and safe
- Talking with someone you trust about how you feel can help make you feel more confident
Support is available
If you’re feeling pressurised by others to do things that you’re not comfortable with, or that you don’t like, you can get support. Is there a trusted adult you can talk to about what is happening? This might be a parent, an aunt or uncle or a teacher.
Childline is always here to listen to you and support you. You can contact Childline at any time.
Check these out too:
Setting boundaries isn't easy but it's a great skill to have as you navigate life - be it with family, friends or on social media
When a friend becomes controlling, manipulative or aggressive, it can be hard to know what action to take to improve the situation
Overthinking and worrying about what other people think of us is something we all do. However, some people do it