by Belinda Southwark

Created on: December 11, 2008

Do you think you are suffering from peer pressure? (that's pressure from the 'popular kids') Well, peer pressure is seriously problematic and can make you do loads of things you don't want to do. Well.........luckily, there is a very simple way to tell. If you're feeling sad, uncomfortable and anxious about how you're acting in school, you are probably being manipulated into doing things you don't want to do. Snapping at old friends? Disrespecting teachers? Being respected by 'peers'? Well, these are signs. But it's hard to see it coming. Peers don't do it openly. Maybe one of them will befriend you and you'll get laughed at by the rest of the group. Then they'll say you have to start doing something the rest of the group does to make them like you. Then they start to like you more. Then you have to do another thing. And another. Also, you might try and hang out with them and they will say 'You're not like us/cool'. Then eventually, if you ask why, they'll say 'You try too hard/ listen to wrong music/too tame' Then you will try and do their 'challenges' to accomplish your goal: joining their group.

Here's what happened to me (in primary school). These girls in my primary school were very cool, and they're still cool after three years at high school. They said to me. 'If you want to join our club, you have to be quiet all day.' and then 'Run up and down the hill in 3 seconds'. I know it sounds like I was unbelievably stupid, but I was desperate. I had friends, but I craved more. Until finally, after discovering myself, I realise it doesn't matter. I'm not cool. That's ok. The peers think I'm a sad freak, because I dance to my favourite music (from 80's) and hang with the nerds. That's ok. Because the most crazy/nerdy person in my year is the best friend ever. And my favourite music is original, and better than their modern music. And chess club?(I know I'm sad) Chess club ROCKS! It's basically having a laugh and fun with my friends. Of course, that sounds like I'm really nerdy, but I have loads of friends who aren't nerds and aren't neccessarily cool, and they're the best too.

And to sum up, that is true fun. Having good times and laughs with TRUE FRIENDS. Don't give in to peer pressure. Once you recognise it, get out of it. It will be hard, but all you gotta do is stop hanging with them and if they ask you why say 'Belinda says noooo' or 'I don't get you guys anymore'. Stand up for yourself, forget fear and FIGHT LIKE A TIGER!

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