Peer pressure is described as the influence an individual or group may feel in doing something they might not otherwise consider doing. Is it really difficult to be unique and stand out from the crowd? Many teenagers have difficulty getting out of the so-called rebellious adolescent phase. This is because their emotions are strong. Teens think about the consequences of being rejected by their peers, such as embarrassment and shame. These two negative emotions are immediately fixed in the minds of adolescents. As a result, they become subject to pressures found throughout their community and schools. While peer pressure is not always bad; it is, however, mostly perceived as a negative influence option. Positive peer influences are rarely discussed or praised. Teenagers become familiar with sex, drugs, fashion, relationships and so on. Many are motivated to do these things by the company or friends they keep. Peer pressure has a great influence through the desire to be accepted, popularity, image and through the media. The vast majority of us are afraid of rejection. Along with rejection, we fear failure and the disappointment of others. Thus the desire to be accepted comes into play. For most, the teenage years represent the pinnacle of a new life. The age between 12 and 18 is the culmination of the desire to adapt. It is essential for parents to instill the characteristics of self-confidence and self-esteem in their children. Your confidence allows you to feel comfortable in your own skin. The desire to be accepted makes it harder for teens to say no to peer pressure. For example, 9th grade transfer student Jasmine is given the chance to make friends with a group of senior women; but she is told to skip school with the girls. Jasmine is... in the center of the card... under pressure and many other causes. All these influences on our young people can be avoided if they have faith in themselves and what they have been taught. Teens need to know that the images shown through our media are for our enjoyment and entertainment, but should not be repeated to some extent. Remember to follow your instincts and dare to be different. It won't hurt to say no! Works Cited Special questions and answers on the life of teenagers. http://teenadvice.about.com/library/weekly/aa102902a.htm#q2Langholt, Alice http://www.life123.com/parenting/tweens-teens/peer-pression/causes-of-peer-pression.shtmlWhat Is it peer pressure? http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/peer-pressionRoberts-Grey, Gina. Teen Popularity Pressures http://family.go.com/parenting/pkg-teen/article-784215-teen-popularity-pressions-t/http://www.prsa.org/AboutPRSA/PublicRelationsDefined/#.UygdDj9dUyU