Peer pressure (From Your Local Guardian)

Peer pressure

2:56pm Wednesday 17th October 2007 in

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It's late, I'm at a party and I've only had one drink. Mr Brightside's blaring, and whilst I'd love to dance like nobody's watching to our teen anthem, I just can't seem to let loose tonight.

There's a group of amateur smokers outside, puffing away whilst commenting on the hardships of teenage life and a sixteen year old is having what looks like a deep and meaningful conversation with a bottle of vodka.

I'm tempted to escape to the bathroom to make sure my make up hasn't smudged, but it's been occupied for a while now. I make my way to the ice box and pick out an alcopop. I'm thirsty, but sporting an Evian bottle at a rave is hardly the hardcore image I'm going for right now.

Peer pressure. It's not something that's usually spoken about in pretty terms. In fact, the first thoughts for many are extreme alcohol abuse, illicit drug use and underage sex. However, it exists in far less dramatic and varied forms and often, many teenagers face seemingly insignificant pressures from peers every single day.

The alcopop turns out to be alcohol free - I could have sworn it was a Barcardi Breezer. I look over at a boy slumped on the sofa. He's giving me a cheesy grin and pointing at his trophy bottles of booze'. I guess he didn't notice the small print.

Peer pressure. It usually derives from the need to be accepted and the desire to fit in with those around you. Teens can face a struggle each day - from what to wear, how to behave and how to act in different social situations.

The bathroom's finally vacant. I look in the mirror - my mascara's smudged and my hair's puffy - and not in the cool backcombed Geldof-style either. I swiftly brush a comb through my hair and put on some more eyeliner. Blue - because apparently brown doesn't suit my eyes.

Someone calls through and invites me to join in a drinking game. The desire to drink isn't as strong as the desperation to fit in. Sometimes you only get one shot.

Peer pressure. The general rule is this: if you think something is wrong for you, it probably is. Peer pressure doesn't always take on the stereotypical forceful role. You don't need someone to openly force you to do something - sometimes a seemingly more subtle manner is equally (if not more) influential.

The drinking game is in full swing. Someone's decided to mix all the drinks together and the party boy is playfully drinking the mix. A girl comments on the hangover she's going to have the next morning. The mix moves to me. I drink the shot then make up some sheepish excuse about having to use the bathroom. There are a few groans, a few eye rolls and a few feeble smiles.

Peer pressure. Sometimes you can't please everyone, but we all owe it to ourselves to follow our own moral code and not the ones imposed on you by people who may have differing values.

It's ok to go against the flow - after all, the flow is but a group of individuals.

I dodge the smokers and make my way back to the music. I'm still getting a few disapproving looks from the drinkers, but people are beckoning me back to the dance floor and it's an offer I can't refuse. I'll never claim to be the world's greatest mover, but at least now I'm dancing to my own tune.