Chapter 1:
Common Social Problems in Schools
A student like you can learn how to establish friendships and relate socially with children and adults while you are at the school. Unfortunately, social expectations and friendships usually trigger stress to teenagers especially to a student who faces social problems. Typical social problems that often take place inside the schools are peer pressure, cliques and bullying.
Peer Pressure
This happens when a student affects the decisions of another student. Peer pressure could be positive and an example of this is when you tell again your friend regarding the homework or when you push her to join in any sports team. On the other hand, peer pressure can be negative such as the pressure to consume alcohol, cut classes, smoke cigarettes, cheat on the exam and do some sorts of crimes like shoplifting. Students like you typically find it hard and stressful to resist peer pressure.
Bullying
Bullying happens when a student is frequently picked on by another student who is more influential than he or she is. A student who looks unusual or from a different religion and race, or may be a lesbian or gay is typically a victim of bullying. This negative thing could be physical like tripping and hitting or verbal like teasing and taunting. A student, whether that person is a girl or a boy, can become a bully or the bullying victim.
Cliques
Cliques pertain to a group of students that reject other students. Cliques typically come with codes of attitude like the need to dress in a particular way or to play and have fun with a specific sport. Cliques typically insult or bully the outsiders and if you will be a member of a clique, you may find it harmful and stressful since cliques generally discourage the members from hanging out with someone else. The members of the group are also required to act in a certain way just to fit in.
Getting Help
If you are struggling with any social problems inside the school, you should not feel that you are the only person who experiences such type of situation. You can talk to your parents or to your teacher if you are in physical threat because of bullying or if you’ve made wrong choices due to peer pressure.
Always keep in your mind that everything will be fine and what is happening to you right now is just a challenge of life. You should not be afraid to build friendships with those who are not like you. Spend more time with your most trusted friends and participate in the activities that will really make you happy.