Impact of Peer Pressure to Academic Performance of Grade 11 HUMSS Students in ACLC-Naga

INTRODUCTION

Peer pressure's impacts affect people all around the world. A recent piece in The New India
Express covered the case of Dr. B Sandhya Rani, who may have killed herself as a result of peer pressure
and the difficulties of post-graduate education. Peer pressure can have an impact on people even as
adults because it is a constant in society. It appears that young teens are being provided more
technology today. They are now more vulnerable to peer pressure. Teenagers in America have rebelled
against smoking due to peer pressure, while teenagers in Africa have stopped smoking to avoid
contracting AIDS. It has deepened the bond between worshippers and God. In fact, it inspired millions of
individuals to give up using drugs and alcohol. It is realized that although it has occurred everywhere,
many individuals are unaware of it when it undertakes. Positive peer pressure has the power to alter
people's behavior and resolve issues that seem insurmountable. Peer power has encountered difficulties
ranging from personal battles with temptation to huge political tragedies on a global scale. Peer pressure
has also helped Indian villages eradicate infant mortality, turn D calculus students into A students, start
social movements, convert gang members to the straight and narrow, and even combat terrorism.

A period of rapid psychological and physical development, youth is when a person transitions
from being a dependent kid to an independent adult. The recent social, economic, and technical changes
in Australia have added to the complexity of this transitional phase. A total of 2.9 million persons, or 14%
of the population, were between the ages of 15 and 24 in 2007. The harmful habits of this demographic
are examined in this article, with a particular emphasis on risky drinking, illegal drug usage, and reckless
driving. The Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10586) makes it illegal to
drive while under the influence of alcohol, hazardous drugs, or other narcotics. Through the promotion
of safe and moral driving, it seeks to safeguard the lives and property of citizens. Although not all
teenagers engage in these risky activities, the repercussions for those who do and the people around
them can be severe. This article also looks at some possible outcomes, such as being hospitalized, facing
criminal charges, and in certain situations, passing away.

Peer group involvement is crucial to adolescent development and experience. Throughout one's
lifetime, peer groups are probably important to one's growth. Their effect starts early and grows as the
adolescent years progress. Teenagers between the ages of 11 and 17 frequently experience internal
pressure to follow their peers' lead. Teenagers socialized with the folks they regularly interact with.
Teenagers form close friendships with their mates at school and over the course of this extended period
of time. With their peers, they learn how to compromise, share, and take turns.

One of the key elements influencing pupils' academic success is peer pressure. It is the direct
influence on people by peers, or the effect on an individual who gets encouraged to follow their peers by
changing their attitudes, values or behaviors to conform to those of the influencing group or individual
(Wikipedia). Peer pressure can, however, affect someone even if they are not members of the group or
actively seeking membership; it can also be applied to someone who is influenced by others without
having any direct interaction with them. Younger people, particularly those teenagers, are frequently
subjected to it.
 Academic performance is the measurement of student achievements and capabilities across
various subjects. Both are affected by several factors such as peer influence, students’ learning skills,
parental background, health both mental and physical, teachers' quality, and learning infrastructure.
Moreover, according to the article of (BALLOTPEDIA 2021) academic performance is the measurement of
student achievement across various academic subjects. Teachers and education officials typically
measure achievement using classroom performance, graduation rates, and results from standardized
tests.

Human nature dictates that certain teenagers are more inclined to yield in to peer pressure than
others, while some are better able to resist it and maintain their integrity. Given that it is almost
universal, some people cannot escape it. It can also be defined as the that people of the same social
group can influence on another individual to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise
conform in order to be accepted. To gain that sympathy and respect, some individuals will do things they
don’t feel they should or thing that they might not feel ready for, in order to fit in and be like those
around them. This plays out in a variety of situation, from bullying on the school playground to drinking
to much in college. The negative peer pressure can make a person feel bad about the thing they are
doing, even as they continue doing them as a way to feel connected to their peers.

Peer pressure feeds on the thing that frighten us. All teens are social creature; they want to fit in,
have friends, avoid loneliness and gain approval from others. Some people are driven to excessive or
inappropriate actions by the dread of not having such items. Because they don't want their friends to
reject them, students frequently succumb to peer pressure. Youth also have a considerably lower
likelihood of knowing who they are or what they want, which makes them more vulnerable to peer
pressure that encourages them to transgress limits. Students may also find themselves in a circumstance
where they lack the knowledge or resources to get themselves out of a sticky situation because they are
exposed to so many new situations throughout high school and college. A person may succumb to peer
pressure more readily if they lack confidence in themselves, are new to the group, or lack prior exposure
to it.

It also shows that there are two key characteristics that seem to set teenagers apart from adults
in terms of how they make decisions. Teenagers are especially lured to the immediate benefits of
potential choices throughout early adolescence and pay less attention to the potential disadvantages.
Second, teenagers in general are still figuring out how to restrain their emotions, plan ahead, and defy
peer pressure. As a teen's capacity for behavior control improves throughout puberty, these talents
progressively emerge. hence illuminating the significance of drug awareness and education initiatives as
a way of assisting our adolescents in making wise decisions.

Peer pressure's impacts affect people all around the world. A recent piece in The New India
Express covered the case of Dr. B Sandhya Rani, who may have killed herself as a result of peer pressure
and the difficulties of post-graduate education. Peer pressure can have an impact on people even as
adults because it is a constant in society. It appears that young teens are being provided more
technology today. They are now more vulnerable to peer pressure. Teenagers in America have rebelled
against smoking due to peer pressure, while teenagers in Africa have stopped smoking to avoid
contracting AIDS. It has deepened the bond between worshippers and God. In fact, it inspired millions of
individuals to give up using drugs and alcohol. It is realized that although it has occurred everywhere,
many individuals are unaware of it when it undertakes. Positive peer pressure has the power to alter
people's behavior and resolve issues that seem insurmountable. Peer power has encountered difficulties
ranging from personal battles with temptation to huge political tragedies on a global scale. Peer pressure
has also helped Indian villages eradicate infant mortality, turn D calculus students into A students, start
social movements, convert gang members to the straight and narrow, and even combat terrorism.

Youth is a period characterized by rapid psychology and physical transition, where young people
progress from being dependent children to independent adults. The recent social, economic, and
technical changes in Australia have added to the complexity of this transitional phase. A total of 2.9
million persons, or 14% of the population, were between the ages of 15 and 24 in 2007. The harmful
habits of this demographic are examined in this article, with a particular emphasis on risky drinking,
illegal drug usage, and reckless driving. The Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 (Republic Act
No. 10586) makes it illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol, hazardous drugs, or other
narcotics. It aims to protect citizens’ lives and properties by promoting responsible and ethical driving.
While not all young people engage in these risky behaviors, the consequences for those who do, and for
those around them, can be serious. This article also examines some of the potential consequences: being
charged with criminal offences, hospitalization and, in some cases, death.

In Asian region, peer pressure is also existing. Some of teenagers in Japan, experience peer
pressure and it actually leads them to suicide. It appears that some people suffer from depression on a
regular basis and then decide to commit suicide. In Japan high schools, conformity is imperative. Kids can
be assaulted or mocked for anything, from dyed hair to weight to where they were born. The bullying
problem in schools is one of the most Americans are familiar with but its hard to comprehend it on the
Japanese scale. The stories of kids being bullied in Japan are endless. A quick google search will turn up
numerous instances of Japanese kids being tormented by their peers. Often, it’s for something trivial as
where they are born. In Philippines, the RA 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 was signed into law by
former President Benigno Aquino III on September 6, 2013 which requires all elementary and secondary
schools in the country to adopt an anti-bullying policy. The factor behind suicide is complex because you
have so many variables. However, certain common factors do prop up and this applies to peer pressure,
bullying, relationship failure, depression, low esteem, financial concerns, caring for a loved one who is
very sick, and other important reason.

All teenagers experience some degree of peer pressure in high school, whether it may be
positive or negative. The type of peer pressure they are exposed to, depends on their support system
and who they choose to surround themselves with. Many students often see peer pressure as an old
cautionary tale that doesn’t apply to them because they believe they’re smart enough to make good
choices. However, when surrounded by all of their friends with the looming idea of humiliation, their
actions may not follow their morals.

While Peer Pressure among teenagers dominates around the world, here in the Philippines,
many of the teenagers also experience peer pressure. In Cebu, there’s a part on that place where peer
pressure is very well-known. Studies have confirmed that among teenagers, alcohol use, smoking, pre-
marital sex and drug abuse have been strongly influenced by peer pressure. A researcher stated that
“Teens are not fully aware that they are already experiencing peer pressure. They are just hanging out
with their friends but their discussions are slowly being affected by their peers. It is probably more
accurate to refer to this as peer influence, or social influence to adopt a particular type of behavior, dress
or attitude in order to be accepted as part of a group of your equals. As a teen it’s likely you’ve
experienced the effect of peer influence in a number of different areas, ranging from the clothes you
wear to the music you listen to.”

According to the Dean in Cebu, teenagers face a lot of pressure in their efforts to conform to
their peer groups since, it cultivates self esteem if you are accepted by the group. The peer group is the
strongest reference group for the adolescent. Because it seems to be the most potent contextual group
for teenagers, then it holds a major reward (acceptance) and punishment (rejection) ability. At a time
when teenagers are widely confronted with identity issues, peer pressure is at is greatest. In order for
them to discover who they are and establish their identity as individuals, they tend to see themselves in
the context of others around them. Teenagers who lack parental care and guidance are likewise
vulnerable to peer pressure. Dr. Conaco pointed out that many of today’s adolescents belong to broken
families, either because of parental conflicts or because parents working overseas. Due to the absence of
an adult figure, they learn on their friends for support, instead.

In ACLC Senior High Naga, peer pressure is also seen as one of the factors that affects’ academic
performance. Students mostly spend their time within their peers because of the time they have to
spend at school. Activities that require teamwork or group work as well as performance tasks are
strongly advised for usage in the classroom because it is well-known that there is a significant issue
involving students influencing one another. Although it is obvious that the major goal of having these
activities is to motivate and help each other in order to gain more knowledge and have better quarterly
grades, teens are most likely to be negatively influenced by their friends.

With these observations, the researchers deemed it imperative to conduct this study to further
examine how peer pressure affects the academic performance of grade 11 HUMSS Students in ACLC
Naga.
Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine the impact of peer pressure to the academic performance of
Grade 11 HUMSS Students in ACLC-Naga.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. How can academic performance be described in terms of:
1.1. Grade
1.2. Class participation
2. What are the effects of peer pressure to academic performance of students?
3. What are the experiences of students about peer pressure?
4. How can students determine whether they are experiencing peer pressure?
5. Why is peer pressure one of the most common factors affecting academic
performance?
Assumptions and Hypothesis

Changing Behavior is what students experience of having peer pressure.

We assume this because students living with peer pressure may also have a hard time and
cannot settle on anything. Students who experience peer pressure decrease self-confidence, lead to
poor academic performance, distancing from family members and friends, or an increase in depression
and anxiety this is based on the assumption that peer pressure leads students to make things that will
only give them validation, that will not make others feel disappointed.

One's state of harmony is disrupted when faced with the threat of external conflict (social
rejection) for failing to conform to a group standard. It is assumed that peer influence can have both
positive and negative effects on a student's academic performance and socialization. It is also assumed
that peer groups may not allow students to be “themselves” in the truest sense of the word.

Exposure to peer pressure leads students to change their behavior. This hypothesis is based on
the assumption that peer pressure changes their behavior affects their way of living, questions their
worth and always makes things they think will make them accepted from others.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will analyze the impact of pressure to academic performance of students. It

focuses on the effects, influence and factors to be considered by the teenagers in dealing with

peer pressure and the pressure that involves in peers. The study will be conducted at ACLC-Naga,

specifically, the grade 11 students. The researchers aim to examine the effects of peer pressure

by gathering information about the topic, analyzing past studies conducted related to the topic,

interviewing the participants through interview guides, reading articles about peer pressure and

then make appropriate conclusion about it.

Significant of the Study

The ultimate goal of this study is to know the impact of peer pressure to academic performance
of students. Thus, the results of the study will be a great benefit to the teenagers, parents, teacher,
school administrators and staff, researchers and future researches.

To the Teenagers. This research paper would be able to help teenagers to carefully choose
people to be with. They will be able to be guided in choosing their group to be fit in. They need to think
critically where they should go and what way they wanted to be. This research paper aims to help, most
especially teenagers because they are the one who are being affected with this issue.

To the Parents. They will have the idea about the issue that their child was going through and for
them to be aware that peer pressure is real. This research paper will help them think of a proper way on
guiding their child. So that teenagers would be able to take chances of doing right things together with
their peers.

To the Teacher. They will be knowledgeable on their student’s situation and the pressures they
face in peers. As facilitators of learning they can be more considerate and supportive of their students so
that they will perform better in their academics.

To the Administration and Staff. This study will provide recommendations and provide
knowledge about peer pressure especially in the Grade 11 SHS students and identify the effects on them
in which they depict from peers, by letting them know what peer pressure is, and how they can help to
improve the student’s academic performance. They can propose programs and activities that will
contribute positive effects on the students.

To the Researchers. This will provide the researchers further understanding and expand their
prior knowledge about the study that they have conducted. They will be informed of the effects or
impact of peer pressure on themselves.

To the Future Researchers. This study can be a source of information for the future researchers
especially this study is widely discussed, yet, society is not truly aware and conscious about this issue.
Researchers can be a way to let people know the importance of having knowledge about the impact of
peer pressure.

Definition of Terms

Academic Performance - is the measurement of student achievement across various academic

subjects. (Ballotpedia)

Adolescents - It refers to a young person who is developing into an adult. (Merriam Webster)

Eradicate - destroy completely; put an end to.

 Experience - Practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or
participation in events or in a particular activity. (Merriam Webster)

insurmountable – too great to be overcome.

Peer Groups - consists of individuals or organizations that share similar characteristics. Peer
groups are known for their influential nature as they're able to shape the decisions of other group
members. These groups often contain hierarchies with clear leaders who sit at the top.

Peer Influence – is a persuading/influencing action. It is a better way to describe how teenager’s

behaviors shaped by wanting to feel they belong to a group of friends or peers. They are not pressurized;
they are gradually influenced by seeing their friends being in a group they wish to belong to and let what
they do grow on them.

Peer Pressure – It refers to the way that people of the same social group can influence on
another individual to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be
accepted.

Succumb - fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force.

Tormented - experiencing or characterized by severe physical or mental suffering.

References:

A. Pradesh ‘Peer pressure killed Sandhya Rani’ The New Indian Express 2016

L. Steinberg and K. Monahan Age Differences in Resistance to Peer Influence in National Library of
Medicine 2019

V. Escuadro Parents and Peer Pressure in philstar global 2014

K. Iwamoto Youth suicide: Asian teens crack under growing family pressure in Nikkei Asia 2019

R. Winner Japan's Education Disaster: Cause of peer Pressure Gettysburg College 2015

S. Adams Academic performance Ballotpedia: School board issues research 2021

A. Chein & L. Steinberg Peer influences on adolescent decision making. 2021

J. Homel, K. Thompson & B. Leadbeater Changes in positive and negative peer influences and
depressive symptoms from adolescence to young adulthood. 2020