Peer Pressure: Bringing Families Back Together

Peer pressure can lead to good teens making bad choices. This is very common.
In 2017, we will have our work cut out for us opposing cyber bullying, maintaining that teens keep making good decisions and much more. Please show your support for a healthier, safer world by contributing today!

Many parents who contact B.W.T.E.™ state that their child has fallen into the wrong crowd and has become a follower rather than a leader. They are making bad choices, even though they know better. However, the fear of not fitting in with their friends sways them to make the wrong decisions. Low self esteem can attribute to this behavior, and if it has escalated to a point of dangerous situations such as legal issues, substance use, gang related activity, etc. it may be time to seek outside help. Remember, don’t be ashamed of this; it is very common today and you are not alone. So many parents believe others will think it is a reflection of their parenting skills; however, with today’s society, the teen peer pressure is stronger than it ever has been. The internet explosion combined with many teens’ entitlement issues have made today’s generation a difficult one to understand.
Keeping your child involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and clubs can help give them a place to belong. We here at B.W.T.E™ always encourages parents to find the one thing that truly interests their child, whether it is a musical instrument, swimming, basketball, tennis, diving, dance, chess club, drama, etc. It is important to find out what their interests are and to help them build on these hobbies. Encourage them 110%. They don’t need to be the next Michael Jordan or Serena Williams, but they need to enjoy what they are doing and keep busy doing it. Staying busy in a constructive way is always beneficial.