Being a teen in high school, friendships and your mates are seriously important. High school isn’t just about classes and textbooks – it’s like this buzzing universe of chatting, chilling with your mates, and building those friendships. The connections you build right now can totally mould who you are, sway the decisions you make, and give you that awesome feeling of fitting in – or, totally not. Being friends with other teens is like a rollercoaster, sometimes making you feel like a winner and other times, making things a bit, well, complicated.
So, why do friends matter so much to us?
As teenagers, fitting in with our group of friends is a big deal. We might change the way we talk, act, and even the choices we make, just to feel like we belong. It’s all part of figuring out our identity and what we want to be, which can be a bit challenging because we’re trying to find ourselves while also meeting our mates’ expectations.
Do you reckon having similar interests brings us closer to our friends?
Absolutely! To fit in with our peer group, we often end up participating in the same hobbies or activities. We want our mates to like us, so we naturally gravitate towards doing similar things. This shared involvement allows us to spend more time together and bond over shared experiences. But hey, it’s also normal to be drawn to groups who are into totally different things – that’s just you exploring your identity.
How does peer pressure play a role?
Well, here’s the thing: peer pressure can also be positive – not always is it negative. As we grow older, we become smarter and better at handling our feelings. So, our mates can actually encourage us to make good choices and avoid bad ones. Positive peer pressure can help us grow personally and learn from one another.
But what do you do if you are feeling uncomfortable regarding the peer pressure you are experiencing?
If you ever find yourself caught up in a situation where you’re feeling pressured, just know that it’s important to stick to your own values and boundaries. You don’t have to go along with something that doesn’t feel right to you. Talk to someone you trust about what you’re going through – it could be a friend, a sibling, or even a teacher. But if you don’t feel confident enough to stand up for yourself or feel you can’t say “no” – then say something like, “Maybe”, “Let me think about it” or “I’ll get back to you.” This gives you time to think or talk to someone to get ideas as to how to ‘get out it’. If you have a friend who understands how you feel, they can provide support in tricky situations. Sometimes saying a joke or redirecting the conversation can give you some breathing room.
The real secret to fighting peer pressure (short clip):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uME3JOM3W4k
How about school counsellors! How can they help us and our friends?
If we are struggling, school counsellors can play a crucial role in our educational journey, working alongside teachers, families, school leaders, and other professionals to create a safe and supportive learning environment.
One of the primary ways school counsellors assist is by providing guidance and a safe space to discuss our feelings and challenges. Whether we’re facing difficulties with our studies, such as struggling with certain subjects or exams, or encountering problems with our peers or family, counsellors are there to lend a helping hand.
Moreover, school counsellors can help us manage our emotions. Whether we’re feeling down, anxious, worried, or even isolated, they are trained to provide support and guidance. They can offer strategies to cope with these emotions and help us develop healthy ways to navigate through challenging situations.
Remember, if you ever find yourself in need of someone to talk to or require guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counsellor. They are here to support us and ensure that we have the best possible experience during our time at school.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, high school is a time of learning, growing, and making friends. Being part of a group doesn’t mean changing who we are. By picking mates who care about doing well and getting support from adults, you can have a better chance of doing great in school and feeling confident in your social life too.
Discover valuable insights about peer influence by watching these short videos:
Talking About Peer Influence: Parents and teens share their experiences dealing with peer pressure. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_e_IscSfwE
Peer Pressure and Social Media: Learn about the connection between peer influence and social media. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi_3WKrjQrY
