Peer Pressure

Relationships

Peer pressure may have a strong influence on a person's life choices and decisions. During adolescence, friends may have an influential role in one's decisions regarding sexuality.

Although sex is a personal decision, peer pressure is not so uncommon. One of the major contributing factors for teenagers to engage in sexual activity, whether or not they feel ready for it, is the illusion that everyone else is. There is no right or wrong time to have sex - it varies for each person.

One of the most crucial things is that you feel you can talk to your potential partner about what you are thinking and feeling. If you feel that your partner is pressuring you into having sex, you need to consider if this is really the type of relationship you want. If you are both ready to consider it, you should discuss both the actual deed, and the use of contraception. It is normal to have queries before having sex for the first time, and it is important to have reliable sources of information for the answers you need.

Unfortunately, you can get pregnant or catch an STI from the first time, so you need to consider contraception as well as infection prevention. You should not feel you have to compromise on these two things because your partner does not want to use protection. Again, think if you want to be in a relationship with someone who does not prioritise your health and theirs.


Social media peer pressure
Today, the use of social media is an integral part of daily life. Whether you are 13 or 50, social media might still leave an impact on you and your life. It is important to choose who you follow on social media.

Some things to think about before peer pressure makes the decision for you:

  • Not all social media influencers are 'sexy' or having 'wild nights' as they are shown online - filters can change the picture and make it look cool.
  • Not all friends openly stating they are in a relationship are having sex.
  • Not all photos posted with a boy/girl indicate a relationship.
  • No number of likes or comments on a photo can describe a relationship at that moment in time.