Teenagers and Peer Pressure ā Why it is Important to Talk to Your Teenagers
Teenagers and parents often face a lot of friction during the school years. On one hand, there are the obvious irritations of peer pressure, academics, and bullies. However, there is also the tension between parents and their children. Many teenagers report being bullied at school, which can be emotionally, physically, and psychologically damaging.
Bullying can create an environment that encourages inappropriate behaviour, such as rude behavior, disrespect, and aggression. Peer pressure in schools can cause students to lash out in anger and frustration. In many cases, bullying is not the problem; itās a symptom of underlying behaviour problems. What can be done to solve these behaviour problems?
Schools need to address behaviour problems head on. There needs to be consequences for inappropriate or unwanted behaviour. This usually takes place through schools-wide assemblies, with teachers, principals, and parents all having a part to play. In some cases, the students themselves decide to participate by organising themselves into small groups. This small group setting helps the students recognise they have options and allows them to make choices about how they will address their behaviour problems.
Itās important for schools to treat students with respect. When teachers and staff encourage or reward good behaviour, it makes the school seem more appealing to parents and students. Itās important that schools maintain professional-like discipline policies that are consistent throughout the school. When discipline is inconsistent, the likelihood that students will behave poorly is higher.
Itās also a good idea to provide structure for students. For example, let students know exactly what theyāre expected to do and when theyāre expected to do it. Give students a specific date and time for various activities. If they donāt follow your rules, tell them so in advance and make sure they know why. Giving students a set daily task may help prevent them from taking advantage of free time.
One of the most difficult aspects for a teen is getting through teenage years. Itās especially tough on boys because they are naturally more direct and quiet compared to girls. Teens need encouragement, feedback, and camaraderie to keep them grounded and successful. Donāt forget that they are dealing with serious mental and emotional issues at this stage in their life.
Communicate with your teens, support them, help them manage their emotions, and keep them from self-destructing. Donāt get caught up in fighting with your teens about everything ā in fact, if you do, the more likely it is that your teen will shut down and hide from you. Just keep an open mind and be supportive without getting involved in a tug-of-war.
Teenagers are still growing up, and as a parent, itās your job to help them navigate the changing adolescence. You want your teenager to develop into a healthy, well-adjusted adult who can succeed in all areas of life. If you think that your teen is struggling with one or more areas of their development, talk to your childās teachers, school counselors, parents, and other professionals. By communicating and working together, you and your teenager can learn how to deal with the many challenges that come with teenage years.
Many teenagers become depressed because of school and peer pressure. The school system itself may be partly to blame, with some schools unintentionally driving students into unhealthy behaviours. Some parents are also pressured by schools to leave negative feedback on their childrenās behaviour. Parents should have a good relationship with their childās teachers, as most teachers are there to help, not criticize. When it comes to school, parents should let the school know how their child is feeling, but should not take a prominent role in pressuring their child to change behaviour or trends.
Teenagers are not the only ones who may face behavioural challenges in schools. There are many physical conditions that cause children to fall ill and miss days of school. It is important that parents monitor their childrenās vaccinations, especially in the younger years. Not doing so could leave their children susceptible to a host of health problems.
Another key area to talk to your teen is what are the implications for him/her if he/she starts smoking. As many teen smokers will testify, the single biggest deterrent for them is peer pressure. Teens who feel like they are cool with smoking will not start, but the majority do. If you want your child to be healthy, then the best thing to do is to make sure he/she is never pressured into smoking.
Many teenagers are, however, able to make wise decisions. A lot of the time, the only real factors that cause teenage problems are the circumstances surrounding them. Most teenagers would do anything not to end up in a juvenile detention facility. However, there is a difference between teenagers deciding to do something that will affect their long-term health, and teenagers making stupid choices that come back to haunt them in the future.
