Parenting Power: The Role of Parents on Peer Pressure Issues Among Teenagers

Background of the Study

Peer pressure or influence is when you do something because you want to feel accepted
and valued by your friends. Peer influence can be positive or negative. Coping well with peer
influence is about getting the right balance between being yourself and fitting in with your group
(Dorcas, 2016). Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure as they try to fit in with
their peers while navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood. While peer pressure can
have positive effects, such as encouraging teenagers to adopt healthy habits or pursue academic
success, it can also lead to negative outcomes, such as drug abuse or risky sexual behavior.

Parents play an essential role in shaping their children's attitudes towards peer pressure.
They can either empower their children to resist negative influences or contribute to their
vulnerability by failing to provide guidance and support. The importance of parental involvement
in preventing negative peer pressure among teenagers cannot be exaggerate. However, there is
limited research on how parents can effectively intervene to ease the bad effects of peer pressure.

The study aims to investigate the role of parents in relieving the impact of peer pressure
on adolescents' behaviors and attitudes. Specifically, we will explore how parents' approaches to
parenting – including communication style, discipline strategies, and modeling behaviors – shape
their children's susceptibility to peer pressure. We will also examine how parenting practices
vary across different cultural contexts and socioeconomic backgrounds.

In addition, research has shown that effective parental monitoring (such as keeping tabs
on teens' whereabouts and social activities) reduces opportunities for engaging in risky behaviors
and increases compliance with rules at home. Monitoring can also facilitate communication
between parents and children, providing opportunities for discussing peer pressure issues and
exploring strategies for coping with negative influences.
 Parental modeling of healthy behaviors also plays a crucial role in shaping teenagers'
attitudes towards risk-taking. Parents who demonstrate responsible behavior, such as avoiding
substance abuse or engaging in safe sex practices, serve as positive role models that their
children can emulate. Conversely, parents who engage in unhealthy behaviors or fail to model
appropriate responses to peer pressure may accidental encourage their children to adopt similar
attitudes and behaviors.

Finally, cultural differences may impact parenting practices and the effectiveness of
parental interventions to prevent negative peer pressure among teenagers. For instance,
collectivist cultures prioritize group harmony over individual autonomy, which can affect how
parents approach disciplining their children and communicating about peer pressure issues.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to describe the role of parents on peer pressure issues among teenagers.

1. What roles do parents play on peer pressure issues among teenagers?

2. What does parental involvement contribute on overcoming peer pressure issues among
teenagers?

3. What are the effective parenting strategies that help prevent negative peer influence on
teenagers?

4. Why is it important for parents to be actively involved in addressing peer pressure issues
among teenagers?

5. How can parents effectively communicate with their children about peer pressure issues
and provide guidance?
 Significant of the Study

The study on parenting power and its role in peer pressure issues among teenagers
is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the crucial role that parents play in
shaping their children's behavior and decision-making processes. Parents who are
actively involved in their children's lives and provide them with guidance and support are
more likely to help their children resist negative peer pressure.

Secondly, this study sheds light on the growing problem of peer pressure among
teenagers. With the rise of social media and other forms of technology, teenagers are
constantly exposed to a barrage of information and influences from their peers. This can
lead to risky behaviors such as substance abuse, bullying, and even criminal activities. By
understanding the role that parents play in mitigating these negative influences, we can
develop strategies to help parents better support their children.

Finally, this study has important implications for policymakers and educators who
work with young people. By recognizing the importance of parental involvement in
preventing peer pressure issues, they can design programs and interventions that
empower parents to be effective advocates for their children. Such initiatives could
include parenting classes, support groups, or outreach campaigns aimed at helping
parents navigate the challenges of raising teenagers in today's rapidly changing world.
Overall, this research underscores the need for a collaborative approach between parents,
educators, policymakers, and communities to ensure the well-being of our youth.

Definition of Terms

Peer pressure or influence is when you do something because you want to feel
accepted and valued by your friends. Peer influence can be positive or negative. Coping
well with peer influence is about getting the right balance between being yourself and
fitting in with your group (Hearth, 2021).
 The peer group may on one hand, serve as a model and influence behaviors and
attitudes, whilst on the other hand, it may provide easy access, encouragement and an
appropriate social setting for consumption (Glaser, Shelton & Bree, 2014).

The relation with parents may be a mitigating factor of the negative influence by
peers. Communicating family rules and parental style have been inversely associated to
substance, alcohol and tobacco consumption during adolescence. This influence is
essential for adolescents’ development up to adulthood. Communication between parents
and adolescents emerges as a protective factor for alcohol, tobacco and substance use
(Newman, Harrison & Dashiff, 2015).

Literature seems to suggest that the peer group has an important role throughout
adolescence; nevertheless it may influence negatively adolescents’ risk behaviors, by
enhancing their involvement in such actions. On the other hand, parents have a protective
role in the same behaviors, generally associated with good communication and parental
monitoring.

Scope of Limitation

Parents are natural for them to protect their children from harm and guide them
towards making positive choices. However, the reality of parenting is that they cannot
control every aspect of their child's life, especially when it comes to peer pressure. While
parents can play an important role in shaping their child's values and beliefs, there are
limitations to their power when it comes to influencing how their child responds to peer
pressure.

Firstly, teenagers are at a stage where they are seeking independence and
autonomy. This means that they may be more likely to seek the approval of their peers
rather than their parents. Therefore, while parents may try to instill certain values in their
children, ultimately it is up to the teenager themselves to decide whether or not they will
abide by those values when faced with peer pressure.
 Secondly, peer pressure can come in many forms - from subtle social cues to
direct coercion. Parents may not always be aware of these pressures as they occur outside
of the home environment. Additionally, teenagers may feel embarrassed or ashamed
about admitting that they have succumbed to peer pressure, which can make it difficult
for parents to offer support.

Thirdly, while parents have an important role in shaping their child's moral
compass, they are not the only influence on their child's behavior. Other factors such as
media exposure, societal norms and cultural expectations can also shape how a teenager
responds to peer pressure.

In conclusion, while parents play an important role in guiding their children

towards making positive choices when faced with peer pressure issues among teenagers,
there are limitations to this power. Teenagers are seeking independence and autonomy
during this stage which makes them susceptible towards falling under peer pressure
instead of listening or following what their parents say. Peer pressure can come in
different forms and sometimes teenagers do not share these experiences due to fear or
embarrassment. Different environmental factors like exposure towards media also affects
one’s behavior response under peer-pressure situations which are out of parental control.