How to protect children from peer pressure and influence? 5 ways

 How to protect children from peer pressure and influence? 5 ways

Peer pressure and the influence of social media on children are affecting their decision-making ability.

Parents need to strengthen their children's confidence and teach them to make the right decisions.

Childhood is no longer as simple as it used to be. The pressure and influence of studies, friends, fashion, and social media are increasing on children.

The words, behavior, and glare of friends and social media shake the minds and confidence of children like a storm. When confidence is shaken, this influence starts affecting the children's decision-making ability. Such influence of others is called 'peer pressure'.

Peer pressure means the influence of friends or the pressure and influence of being like them. This influence forces the child to leave his own path and follow others.

Sometimes this pressure motivates the child to do good things, such as focusing on studies. But in most cases, it leads to the wrong path, where children forget their own values and decisions. For example, when someone sees an expensive phone or fashion item with someone else, they feel weak.

Pressure can erode a child's confidence and make them look like others. In such a situation, it is appropriate to teach children to make the right decisions by providing a positive environment.

1. Try to strengthen the foundation of self-confidence

If a child is not pressured to be like others, even the child's small efforts are appreciated, the child is encouraged to be fine the way he is, and his abilities are understood at home, he will not underestimate himself by listening to others. The foundation of his confidence will become stronger.

Example...

If a child says, 'Mom, my friend teases me because I didn't come to play soccer, saying I'm weak.'

In such a situation, the parent should respond by reminding them that not everyone is good at everything. If they try, they can succeed in what they want.

2. Teach them to distinguish between right and wrong

It is very important to explain to the child that what everyone is doing is not always right. He should have the ability to think, judge, and make decisions for himself.

Example:

A child says, ‘Not all of my friends are doing their homework because the teacher doesn’t scold them much. So I don’t do it either.’

Instead of getting angry, you can say, ‘You know that others are doing it wrong. But think, if we don’t do our homework now, what we learned in class won’t be enough. If we don’t try, we will prove to be weak in the exam. Is that right?

Therefore, we should do what is right, and we shouldn’t follow others.’

3. Teach us to give reasons along with our decisions

The child should also be taught that it is wrong to remain silent in front of others. When someone questions his decision, he should give his answer calmly and logically.

Example:

‘My friends say my lunch is boring, they have burgers and pizza, I can’t tell them anything.’ If he says this,

You can remind him about the practice of giving positive answers, such as saying, ‘The lunch at home is nutritious. It keeps me energetic all day long.’

4. Daily talking and listening

Talking to children should not be limited to studying or teaching and explaining. 10-15 minutes a day should be set aside for listening and understanding the child.

So, he can be sure that he will be heard. Regular conversations will be able to end peer pressure at an early stage.

Example:

If a child says, ‘My friends make fun of my rough copy.’

You can say, ‘Son, you know, many trees have to be cut to make paper. Now just think how much you have helped nature by using this rough copy. So, tell your friends that you are a real hero.’

5. Teaching them to disagree with bad proposals

Children get involved in the mistakes of their friends because they do not know how to say ‘no’. In such cases, it is not bad to express disagreement, but it should be explained that it is a courageous step.

Example:

‘My friends are telling us to skip school today and go somewhere else.’ If the child says this, instead of agreeing to it, I will not skip school and have fun, because it will harm me. I can be taught to respond by saying I will go home and play.

In addition, parents can tell inspiring stories. This will keep their minds positive.

Sometimes children do not want advice, they just want sympathy and someone to listen. Therefore, you should listen to them carefully. Try to find a solution with them. This will teach the child that every problem can be solved.