What is Peer Pressure
Peer pressure involves pressure from others who are of similar age like friends (peers) who can influence you to behave in ways and do things (peer pressure) that you would not normally do! Making your own decisions become harder as you may feel that you do not want to be the odd one out. You want to feel accepted and fit in as part of the group of friends.
Not all peer pressure is negative. It can be positive as peers can be encouraging for example, they may go to dancing classes or play football and encourage you to join. Although you may feel dancing or football is not for you, once started you really enjoy it!
What is Bullying
Bullying is any persistent behaviour that is intended to hurt someone. It can happen anywhere – including at school, at work, online or at home. Examples of bullying include name-calling, making threats, being violent or aggressive, spreading rumours and undermining, humiliating, excluding or pressuring someone.
Bullying is very common amongst young children and youths and can occur anywhere.
Types of Bullying
Physical Bullying – Where a bully pushes, shoves, hits, fights, steals or destroys a person’s property.
Verbal Bullying – Where a bully uses abusive language, calls a person names, spreads rumours, uses threatening or humiliating behaviour and makes fun of them.
Psychological Bullying – Where a bully is constantly gossiping, humiliating you and spreading rumours about you therefore, excluding you from the group.
Cyber Bullying
Using Social Media and Technology a bully can harass, threaten and embarrass you. This can include such things as email, texting, facebook, mobile phones etc.
Other factors why bullies can make fun of you
- Appearance: The way a person dresses or their physical appearance.
- Behaviour: The way you act and the kind of nature you have.
- Race or Religion: Your culture, religion, colour, and language you speak.
- Social Status: Often people are targeted if they come from a poorer background than the bully.
- Gender: Being LGBT
What effects can Peer Pressure and Bullying leave?
Peer Pressure
- Instill social fears
- Stress
- Can lead to panic, anxiety, emotional disorder, depression and worst case can lead to bipolar disorder
Bullying
- Anger issues
- Loneliness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Become a bully yourself
- Potential other effects may include: Eating Disorders, Body Dysmorphia, & other Psychological effects
Stand up to Bullying
However difficult it is, you can still change the way you behave. Make a stand and speak out if you feel safe to do so and stand up to bullying behaviour. There is usually one main person who leads the bullying. If one person has the courage to stand up to them, this may result in others in the group having the confidence to retaliate against them as well!
It is also important to speak with someone you trust who can support you and address the bullying behaviour.
