Peer pressure, sexual pressure and the dangers there of

Many teens, especially boys, feel forced to have sex before they are ready as a result of peer pressure. For most adolescents, both boys and girls, dating is great and, a lot of the time, it’s harmless fun. But when teens are pressured into it, it usually turns out to be a scary time for not only for the teenager involved but for their parents too. The effects of peer pressure may be detrimental to the teenager’s self esteem and can be long lasting.

Peer pressure is not necessarily a bad thing as teens may influence each other positively sometimes. While many teenagers wish they could talk to their parents about sex, most feel uncomfortable asking sex related questions. Instead, teens get most of their information on the topic from peers, TV and the movies. Unfortunately, much of what they learn is not in their best interests!

If you aren’t talking to your teen about dating, peer pressure and the sexual pressures they face, chances are that their peers will do it for you – the only problem is that their parents may also not be talking to them. Don’t wait for your son or daughter to start the conversation – it’s up to you. If you’ve already begun talking to your child about these issues, great! Keep talking.

In South Africa thousands of teenagers fall victim to sexual pressures due to peer pressure, societal pressures, the media and so on; no wonder we bear the highest statistics of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy figures in the world!

Spending most of their time in the company of friends, teenagers are exposed to peer pressure on a daily basis. In fact it is probably the main cause of teens engaging in things they shouldn’t.

Bryanwood offers qualified and experienced therapists who can help teens in this specific area, giving them help in dealing with peer pressure and handling sexual pressure.

Some tips for parents

Teens need accurate information and decision-making skills to help protect them from feeling pressured to have sexual relationships
If talking with your teen about sex is difficult for you, admit it. Keep a sense of humor
Use TV, movies, articles, and real-life situations such as a friend’s pregnancy to begin talking
Share your values regarding sex. Remember your teen may choose to have sex despite your values
Don’t assume that if your teen asks questions about sex, that he or she is necessarily thinking about having sex
Talk with your teen about reasons to abstain
Reassure your teen that not everyone is having sex and that it is okay to be a virgin
Leave age-appropriate articles or books about teenage sexuality around your home

Bryanwood Therapy & Assessment Centre is open seven days a week from 7:00am – 7:00pm. Contact us to book your appointment.Fill out an enquiry form!

Tel: 011 706-2269

011 706-0979

011 463-1488

Fax: 011 463-4765

E-mail: bryanwood@bryanwood.co.za