Peer Group

Peer Group - This is a group of young lads (most times age or school mates that share a common characteristics or philosophy of life. There is always a major factor that radiates similar chemistry among them. They usually have influence on one another that often times surprises parents who notice total or mild deviation from the pristine norms of either of their families.

Peer group mates could only be carefully handled to avoid painful or embarrassing head on collision with them. The concerned parents or care givers must go about it tactfully and diplomatically because these set of young minds at the peak of their youth could cause any havoc and dare the consequences, especially if they observe you are domineering and dictatorial. The law to some extent is very mild with them when they are below 18 years.

From the parent's angle, counselling should start from the one you are familiar with before venturing with his or her associate. Let them know,band be rightly drummed into their ears that not all that glitters is gold. The world we live is full of ups and downs, hence first or basic things like good manners (embracing family values), good education, appropriate choice of career to be able to survive in a world that is highly competitive, and above all, the joy of the Lord should be the strength of the youth.

Hence, like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self control (Proverbs 25:28). Avoid as much as possible bad company. The dangers are huge. It could lead crime, drug abuse/addiction, Alcoholism, cultism, prostitution etc.

Peer pressure is common, especially in a society like ours where normal channels of socialization, inculturation as well as deepened education were lacking. Normally during holidays, students should be gainfully engaged in extra mural classes. The Library should be their base to enable them prepare well for the coming academic session and ancillary educational involvements, thereby expanding their horizon. Unfortunately the reverse is the case.

All the same, I must commend parents who are very conscious of whom the children mix up with. If they find out the person associating with their children has a good family background, disciplined and demonstrates seriousness in academic pursuit among other noble virtues, they always give their blessing. They realize that eventually, it will Robb off in their ward.

Sadly, a greater number of them engage in anti social activities like stealing, rape, armed robbery, internet fraud (commonly known as yahoo yahoo). etc.

Examples of Peer Group Pressure:

Compulsive desire to acquire Handset, especially the expensive brand (internet enabled) to help them chat on the face book, browse and do other things, even when they should not acquire such possession, following peer group pressure to belong to the happening guys.

To patronize certain outlets like Cinema, film theatre, Gaming clubs (Bet Naija) and the like, which impacts negatively to their future and ambition among other things that put them at risk.
The tendency to keep late night philandering with the opposite gender, most times contacting diseases like HIV/AIDs, general diseases etc.

Peer pressure can lead a youth to demand that he attends a certain school, even when the parents cannot afford it.

Peer pressure can over turn one's academic career. A youth may be science inclined, focusing on doing a professional course in the tertiary institution, but peer pressure can divert to an area that is opposed to the parents position, hence putting them in a quandary.