Peer pressure starts when children enter middle school. The qualities of their friendships are important at this time. Friends who influence kids in a positive way are good. However, many kids’ friends have a negative influence. Children who hang out with kids that are aggressive and anti social begin to take on those traits. Kids who have few or no friendships can easily get in with the wrong crowd and take part in delinquent behavior. They rebel against values that have been instilled in them since infancy. They are easily lead down the wrong path because they are desperate to fit in.
The Positives of Friendship
On the other hand, kids who are more socially mature and have several friends, or even one or two close friends are better able to handle peer pressure and the stress caused by it. It is important that all kids learn how to deal with peer pressure early in life. It is a necessary part of their development.
Encouraging Friendships
Schools should definitely encourage friendships and be alert to cliques. Some children need help to cultivate friendships and children should be taught social skills by teachers or counselors and be encouraged to practice the strategies they have learned.
Schools should initiate peer pairing programs. Two children that are experiencing personality conflict problems can learn how to better deal with the issues involved if they receive feedback from an adult. Shy children should be paired with a child who is more outgoing. Peer pairing is an excellent way to teach children social skills.
Groups and Cliques at School
Every school should have a conflict resolution program. This helps to teach children how to respond in difficult social situations through supervised interaction. When kids have a buddy system in place, they are able to build alliances and encourage their peers in a positive way. Children who are reluctant to interact socially can be encouraged to build appropriate social skills when these programs are initiated in schools. School is a place to learn appropriate social skills and make friendships that can be cultivated into lasting relationships.