Peer pressure: youth & teens

Young people may turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to numb emotional pain from personal trauma or as result of peer influence. Youth substance use is a key contributor to problems at school, poor social relationships, motor vehicle accidents and mental health issues. With professional treatment, recovery is possible.

If you know someone who is being swayed to engage in destructive behavior, don't hesitate to intervene. Contact your school counselor office for help.

Whether you are struggling with substance use, domestic or gang violence or negative peer influence, free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day. It's important to know you're not alone and the right treatment could be just a conversation away.

Is someone you know feeling pressure to join a local gang? Are you being enticed or maybe even threatened to become a recruit yourself? Even though gang involvement may seem like it provides safety, protection and a sense of belonging, the truth is that gangs are dangerous and can limit your future success. Remember, you do have a choice, and there’s a community of support behind you.

No young person is completely immune from peer influence. While we hope most are able to resist the temptation to make harmful choices, that is not always the case. Seek help from school counselors or mental health professionals if you notice the following behaviors. They could be signs of peer pressure in teens.

Every young person experiences the pull of peer influence at one point or another. During the teen years, when the desire to conform is heightened, it can be tough to resist joining in the same risky behavior as one's friends, peers and classmates. But doing so can have harmful and lasting consequences.