Help for Peer Pressure in Elementary School, and Peer Pressure Facts

You may think peer pressure is blown out of proportion and that your child will be able to say no when they want, unfortunately peer pressure statistics show the exact opposite. In fact, according to a survey taken by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), peer pressure is directly responsible for an increase in risky behavior, i.e. smoking, drinking and engaging in sexual intercourse.

Peer pressure is a natural occurrence in every child's life and can start the second your child walks in the school doors. It's important to take peer pressure seriously because it has the potential to impact the decisions your child makes. Many children need help standing up to their peers and making the right decision, and that's where you come in.

It's said that the only way to have a friend is to be one. Easier said than done when you're in elementary school. Friendship for kids is a fickle and evolving thing. When they're toddlers, a child's friend might best be described as whoever happens to be playing next to them at the moment. As they begin elementary school, their concept of friendship has evolved a bit, but who their friends are can still change from week to week, even day to day.

Parents are familiar with the ever-popular movie "The Breakfast Club," that depicted life of peer pressure and cliques in schools. It may have come out years ago, but the representation still rings true today. Cliques are a common part of schools, unfortunately, but they can also be a damaging one. They leave many kids feeling left out and have a negative impact on their confidence.

Most people associate peer pressure with teenage drinking or drug use, but the reality is that peer pressure begins at a much earlier age, when kids are still in elementary school. Elementary school aged kids face a high level of peer pressure when it comes to the kinds of clothes they wear, how they do in school, and the kids that they hang out with. By addressing the issue of peer pressure at a young age you can instill in your children behaviors that will keep them safer and, ultimately, happier throughout the rest of their lives..

The fact is your child will experience peer pressure at least once in their lifetime. Kids and teens are constantly pressuring one another to do the "cool" thing and align with a popular or specific belief. As a parent you have the resources to help your child combat peer pressure and stand up for what they believe is the right thing. If you’re prepared with knowledge and patience, then it’s just about knowing the way to best support your child. Start with the peer pressure facts below, and you’ll be armed with information to help you help your children.