CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Educational activities are geared towards ensuring that students achieve
mastery of educational objectives. In school , the extent to which these objectives
have been achieved, is determined by their level of peer pressure, time
management as students’ success are reflected in their academic performance.
Peers play a large role in the social and emotional development of adolescents
Allen (2005). Their influence begins at an early age and increases through the
teenage years, it is natural, healthy and important for adolescent to have and rely
on friends as they grow and mature. A peer could be any one you look up to in
behaviour or someone who you would think is equal to your age or ability
(Hardcastle, 2002). On the other hand, the term “pressure” implies the process that
influence people to do something that they might not otherwise choose to do.
According to Hartney, (2011) peer pressure refers to the influences that
peers can have on each other. Peer pressure is emotional or mental forces from
people belonging to the same social group (such as age, grade or status) to act or
behave in a manner similar to themselves (Weinfied 2010).
Jones, (2010) defined peer pressure as the ability of people from the same
social rank or age to influence another of same age, bracket peer pressure is usually
associated with teens although its influence is not confined to teenagers alone.
Mature adults, teens, young adults and children can be seen doing things in order
to be accepted by their peers. Peer pressure is commonly associated with episodes
of adolescent risk taking (such as delinquency, drug abuse, sexual behaviours),
because these behaviour commonly occur in the company of peers. It can also have
positive effects when youth are pressured by the peer toward positive behaviour.
Such as volunteering for charity or excelling in academics (Kellie, 2013).