peer pressure summary essay

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Essay on Peer Pressure: 100, 200, and 450 Word Samples in English

• Updated on  
• Mar 2, 2024

Have you ever done something just because your friends or peers have done it? Say, watched a movie or TV series, visited places, consumed any substance, or academic achievement. This is a classic example of peer pressure. It means you are influenced by your peers or people around you.

Peer pressure can be both positive and negative, but mostly, it has negative effects. Peer pressure often occurs during adolescence or teenage years when individuals are more susceptible to the opinions and actions of their peers. Sometimes, peer pressure can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, we must deal with peer pressure in a civilized and positive way. 

On this page, we will provide you with some samples of how to write an essay on peer pressure. Here are essay on peer pressure in 100, 200 and 450 words.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Peer Pressure in 450 Words
• 2 Essay on Peer Pressure in 200 Words
• 3 Essay on Peer Pressure in 100 Words

Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English .

Essay on Peer Pressure in 450 Words

‘Be true to who you are and proud of who you’re becoming. I have never met a critic who was doing better than me.’ – Jeff Moore

Why do we seek recognition? Why do we want to fit in? Why are we not accepting ourselves in just the way we are? The answer to these questions is almost the same; peer pressure. Peer pressure is the influence of our peers in such a way, that we wish and try to do things in the same way as others did. 

Negatives and Positive Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can have positive and negative effects. Positive peer pressure can result in better academic performance, personal growth and development, etc. We can be a source of inspiration to our friends or vice versa, which can result in better academic growth, adopting healthier lifestyles, and engaging in community service. For example, you are part of a group collaborating on a community project that demonstrates the constructive influence of peer interaction. This can encourage a sense of purpose and shared responsibility.

Negative Peer Pressure is the opposite of positive peer pressure. In such cases, we are influenced by the negative bad habits of our peers, which often result in disastrous consequences. Consider the scenario where one of your friends starts smoking simply to conform to the smoking habits of his peers, highlighting the potentially harmful consequences of succumbing to negative influences.

How to Deal With Peer Pressure?

Peer pressure can be dealt with in several ways. The first thing to do is to understand our own values and belief systems. Nobody wants to be controlled by others, and when we know what is important to us, it becomes easier to resist pressure that goes against our beliefs.

A person with self-esteem believes in his or her decisions. It creates a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. When you believe in yourself, you are more likely to make decisions based on your principles rather than succumbing to external influences.

Choosing your friends wisely can be another great way to avoid peer pressure. Positive peer influence can be a powerful tool against negative peer pressure.

Building the habit of saying ‘No’ and confidently facing pressure in uncomfortable situations can be a great way to resist peer pressure. So, it is important to assertively express your thoughts and feelings. 

Peer pressure can have different effects on our well-being. It can contribute to personal growth and development, and it can also negatively affect our mental and physical health. We can deal with peer pressure with the necessary skills, open communication, and a supportive environment. We must act and do things in responsible ways.

Also Read: Essay on Green Revolution in 100, 200 and 500 Words

Essay on Peer Pressure in 200 Words

‘A friend recently started smoking just because every guy in his class smokes, and when they hang out, he feels the pressure to conform and be accepted within the group. However, he is not aware of the potential health risks and personal consequences associated with the habit. 

This is one of the many negative examples of peer pressure. However, peer pressure can often take positive turns, resulting in better academic performance, and participation in social activities, and physical activities. 

Dealing with peer pressure requires a delicate balance and determination. Teenagers must have alternative positive options to resist negative influences. Developing a strong sense of self, understanding personal values, and building confidence are crucial components in navigating the challenges posed by peer pressure.

Learning to say ‘No’ assertively can be a great way to tackle peer pressure. You must understand your boundaries and be confident in your decisions. This way, you can resist pressure that contradicts your values. Also, having a plan in advance for potential pressure situations and seeking support from trusted friends or mentors can contribute to making informed and responsible choices.

‘It is our choice how we want to deal with peer pressure. We can make good and bad decisions, but in the end, we have to accept the fact that we were influenced by our peers and we were trying to fit in.’

Essay on Peer Pressure in 100 Words

‘Peer pressure refers to the influence of your peers. Peer pressure either be of positive or negative types. Positive peer pressure can encourage healthy habits like academic challenges, physical activities, or engaging in positive social activities. Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, can lead us to engage in risky behaviours, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or skipping school, to fit in with our peers.’

‘There are many ways in which we can deal with peer pressure. Everyone has their personal beliefs and values. Therefore, they must believe in themselves and should not let other things distract them. When we are confident in ourselves, it becomes easier to stand up for what we believe in and make our own choices. Peer pressure can be dealt with by staying positive about yourself.’

Ans: ‘Peer pressure refers to the influence of your peers. Peer pressure either be of positive or negative types. Positive peer pressure can encourage healthy habits like academic challenges,, physical activities, or engaging in positive social activities. Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, can lead us to engage in risky behaviours, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or skipping school, to fit in with our peers.’

Ans: Peer pressure refers to the influence of our peers or people around us. 

Ans: Peer pressure can have both positive and negative effects on school children. It can boost academic performance, encourage participation in social activities, adopt healthier lifestyles, etc. However, peer pressure often results in risky behaviours, such as substance abuse, unsafe activities, or other harmful behaviours.

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Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Peer Pressure Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on peer pressure.

Peer pressure can be both negative and positive. Because if a person is a peer pressuring you for a good cause then it is motivation. Motivation is essential for the growth of a person. While peer pressure for a bad cause will always lead you to a disastrous situation.

Therefore it necessary for a person to not get influenced by the people around them. They should analyze the outcome of the deed in a strict manner. So that they no may commit anything harmful for themselves. As this world is full of bad people, so you need to be careful before trusting anybody.

Advantages of Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is advantageous in many ways. Most importantly it creates a sense of motivation in the person. Which further forces the person to cross the barrier and achieve something great. Furthermore, it boosts the confidence of a person. Because our brain considers people’s opinions and makes them a priority.

Many salesmen and Entrepreneurs use this technique to influence people to buy their products. Whenever we are in a social meet we always get various recommendations. Therefore when a person gets these recommendations the brain already starts liking it. Or it creates a better image of that thing. This forces the person to buy the product or at least consider it.

This peer pressure technique also works in creating a better character of a person. For instance, when we recommend someone for a particular job, the interviewer already gets a better image of that person. Because he is recommended by a person the interviewer trusts. Therefore there is a great chance of that person to get hired.

Above all the main advantage of peer pressure can be in youth. If a young person gets influenced by an individual or a group of people. He can achieve greater heights in his career.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of Peer Pressure

There are various disadvantages of peer pressure which can harm a person in many ways. If any person is not willing to perform a task then the peer pressure can be frustrating to him.

Furthermore, peer pressure should not be in an excessive manner. Because it lands a negative impact on the person. A person should be of the mindset of listening to himself first. While considering opinions in favor of him.

Peer pressure in youth from a bad company can lead a person to a nasty situation. Furthermore, it can also hamper a student’s career and studies if not averted. Youth these days are much influenced by the glamorous life of celebrities.

And since they follow them so much, these people become their peers. Thus they do such things that they should not. Drugs and smoking are major examples of this. Moreover most shocking is that the minors are even doing these things. This can have adverse effects on their growth and career.

It is necessary to judge the outcome of a deed before getting influenced by peers. Furthermore, peer pressure should always be secondary. Your own thoughts and wants should always have the first priority.

Q1. What is peer pressure?

A1 . Peer pressure is the influence on people by their peers. As a result, people start following their opinions and lifestyle. Furthermore, it is considering a person or his opinion above all and giving him the priority.

Q2. Which sector of the society is the peer pressure adversely affecting?

A2 . Peer pressure has adverse effects on the youth of society. Some false influencers are playing with the minds of the youngsters. As a result, the youth is going in the wrong direction and ruining their career opportunities.

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Peer Pressure Causes and Resistance Essay

Peer pressure is an important problem for teenagers. The primary reason behind it is the need to belong. At a particular age, a teenager starts to feel a need to figure out their identities and belong to a particular group. Often, group members are required to behave in a certain way. They feel pressure from other peers if they do not do it. Such conflicts can negatively affect children’s psychological and social behavior. Therefore, it is highly important to understand the reasons for peer pressure and possible ways to withstand it.

One of the most popular types of peer pressure is forcing someone to smoke or use alcohol or drugs (MacArthur et al. 392). It is a widespread situation when a teenager starts to practice unhealthy behavior under the pressure of peers of their group. For example, let us imagine Jack, who is forced to smoke by his friends John and James.

It is important to understand that there are several ways to resist the pressure. First of all, everyone who feels peer pressure should remember that he or she has a right to say “no” to other people if he or she does not want to do something (“20 Ways to Avoid Peer Pressure”). Thus, the most effective way for Jack to refuse to smoke is to say “no.” If it is necessary, he should repeat this “no” several times. He should look into his friends’ eyes and be confident.

Also, it is important for Jack to avoid situations that are bringing him under peer pressure, for example, parties where people smoke (“20 Ways to Avoid Peer Pressure”). If Jack does not stay in a company where everybody smokes, he will not feel the pressure to do it. However, this measure could be a way to isolation. Thus, Jack should not avoid all social activities.

Jack could feel afraid that he would lose his friends, but it is not the only possible outcome. For example, he could ask John and James why they smoke, how long they do it, what benefits they obtain from smoking (“20 Ways to Avoid Peer Pressure”). A dialog is a good way to resist the pressure because, in dialogs, peers’ roles can change, and a victim can become a leader. If it does not help, and Jack continues to feel pressure, it is possible for him to find support from other teenagers who do not smoke (“20 Ways to Avoid Peer Pressure”). In this situation, Jack will not be alone.

Finally, Jack can find other friends who do not smoke and/or do not want him to do that (“20 Ways to Avoid Peer Pressure”). These friends will accept Jack’s personality and will not want him to change, which is the most important in a friendship. In conclusion, everyone could use the refusal skills to say “no” and not to do something against one’s will.

Works Cited

“20 Ways to Avoid Peer Pressure.” Your Life Counts , 2017, Web.

MacArthur, Georgie J., et al. “Peer‐led Interventions to Prevent Tobacco, Alcohol and/or Drug Use among Young People Aged 11–21 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis.” Addiction, vol. 111, no. 3, 2016, pp. 391-407.

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IvyPanda. (2021, May 24). Peer Pressure Causes and Resistance. https://ivypanda.com/essays/peer-pressure-essay/

"Peer Pressure Causes and Resistance." IvyPanda , 24 May 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/peer-pressure-essay/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Peer Pressure Causes and Resistance'. 24 May.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Peer Pressure Causes and Resistance." May 24, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/peer-pressure-essay/.

1. IvyPanda . "Peer Pressure Causes and Resistance." May 24, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/peer-pressure-essay/.

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How to Write an Essay on The Effects of Peer Pressure: 3 Best Examples

Peer pressure is an intricate part of life that shapes our behaviors and decisions in various ways. Whether you're a student asked to write about this prevalent topic or simply want to explore its implications, understanding how to articulate your thoughts into a compelling essay is vital. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of writing an effective essay on the effects of peer pressure, providing you with key tips and three detailed essay examples to illuminate the path.

• Understanding Peer Pressure

Before diving into essay writing, it's crucial to understand what peer pressure entails. Peer pressure is the influence exerted by a peer group or individual to encourage a person to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to group norms. This pressure can be positive—motivating someone to perform better or strive for their goals—or negative, leading to detrimental behaviors such as substance abuse or risky actions.

• Essentials of a Good Essay on Peer Pressure

Engage with a Hook

Every compelling essay starts with an engaging hook. This could be a relevant anecdote, a startling statistic, or a thought-provoking question. For example:

"Imagine being 14 years old and feeling compelled to take a drag of a cigarette just because your friends said you would look cool. This is a story too many teenagers can relate to, showcasing the undeniable impact of peer pressure."

Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should reflect the core idea of your essay. It should outline your stance and give readers a clear direction of where your argument is headed. For instance:

"While peer pressure can sometimes inspire positive change, its influence often leads adolescents toward detrimental behaviors, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing this social phenomenon."

• Structuring Your Essay

Introduction

Start with your hook and follow up with background information to set the context. Introduce your thesis statement to inform the readers about the main argument.

Body Paragraphs - The Core of Your Essay

Paragraph 1: the nature of peer pressure.

Outline what peer pressure is, its types (positive and negative), and its prevalence in different age groups.

Paragraph 2: Positive Effects of Peer Pressure

Discuss scenarios where peer pressure can lead to beneficial outcomes, such as academic excellence or participation in community service.

Paragraph 3: Negative Effects of Peer Pressure

Highlight the harmful impacts, including substance abuse, academic decline, and mental health issues.

Paragraph 4: Real-life Examples and Case Studies

Provide real-life examples and case studies to give your essay depth and credibility. This could involve personal anecdotes, media stories, or historical events.

Summarize your main points, restate your thesis in the light of the arguments presented, and end with a thought-provoking statement or call to action.

• Example Essays

Example 1: The Dual Nature of Peer Pressure

"In the corridors of high school, peer pressure lurks at every corner. From the clothes we wear to the slang we adopt, the influence of our peers is omnipresent. While some view peer pressure as a negative force, it's essential to explore its dual nature and its potential to foster both positive and negative outcomes."

Body Paragraphs

Positive Impacts

Peer pressure isn't always a villain. When students challenge each other to perform better academically or join beneficial extracurricular activities, peer pressure serves as a catalyst for personal growth. An anecdote from my high school years epitomizes this, where a friend group's collective resolve to excel in a science fair project led us to national recognition.

Negative Impacts

However, the dark side of peer pressure is equally significant. Statistics reveal that over 30% of teenagers have engaged in behaviors they knew were wrong, solely due to peer influence. Substance abuse, skipping school, and other dangerous activities are often the result of succumbing to peer pressure. Personal stories, like that of my cousin Jake, who fell into harmful habits during high school due to peer influence, underscore the gravity of this issue.

In conclusion, while peer pressure can be a force for good when channeled positively, its potential for harm cannot be overlooked. It's crucial for educators, parents, and peers to foster environments where positive peer influence thrives and mitigate the adverse effects as much as possible.

Example 2: Peer Pressure: The Silent Saboteur

Peer pressure doesn't come with a 'beware' sign. Often silent and subtle, it chips away at our resolve and individuality. This essay examines the insidious nature of peer pressure and its potential to lead individuals down perilous paths.

Psychological Mechanisms

Understanding the psychology behind peer pressure is crucial. Social conformity theories suggest that humans have an innate desire to fit in, driving the willingness to alter one's behavior to match group norms. This psychological underpinning often results in individuals compromising their values.

Real Life Consequences

The consequences of negative peer pressure can be devastating. According to a Harvard study, adolescents under peer pressure are more likely to engage in smoking, drinking, and other risky behaviors. Sarah, a 17-year-old with a promising academic record, found herself spiraling into drug use due to peer pressure, showing how pervasive and destructive it can be.

Conclusively, peer pressure is a silent saboteur that demands awareness and proactive measures. Addressing its psychological roots and educating youth about its potential dangers can help mitigate its negative impacts.

Example 3: Rising Above Peer Pressure

"Peer pressure isn't a monologue; it's a dialogue with one's self. The choice to rise above and make independent decisions defines true character." This essay focuses on strategies to overcome peer pressure and maintain individuality.

Recognizing Peer Pressure

The first step in combating peer pressure is recognition. From subtle coercions to overt demands, being aware of these influences allows individuals to control their responses.

Building Self-Confidence

Confidence is a robust defense against peer pressure. Engaging in self-enhancing activities, seeking mentorship, and having a strong support system can embolden individuals to resist conforming pressures.

Developing Critical Thinking

Critical thinking empowers individuals to assess the consequences of their actions. By evaluating the pros and cons, one can make informed decisions rather than succumbing to impulsive peer-induced behaviors.

Ultimately, rising above peer pressure involves recognizing its presence, building self-confidence, and fostering critical thinking. These steps not only protect one's integrity but also pave the way for authentic personal growth.

Understanding and addressing the effects of peer pressure is vital for personal growth and well-being. Through recognizing its dual nature, examining real-life impacts, and implementing strategies to resist negative influences, individuals can navigate the complexities of peer pressure. By learning to write effectively on this topic, you'll not only excel academically but also contribute to broader social awareness.

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