Effects of Peer Pressure: How the Teen Brain Responds

“But everybody’s doing it!” As a parent, you’ve probably heard this excuse from your teens, usually to justify doing something they know won’t meet your approval. However, it’s important to note that most North Carolina high school students choose not to drink—only about 1 in 5 report drinking alcohol. That means far more teens are opting out rather than opting in when it comes to alcohol. But peer pressure is a powerful force. All of us, adults included, are influenced by it to some degree. That’s even more true for teens, who are particularly vulnerable because their brains aren’t fully developed yet. 

How the Teen Brain Responds to Peer Pressure 

Generally, when we hear the term “peer pressure,” we think of its negative connotation. Of course, all peer pressure isn’t negative. When classmates encourage each other to study for a big test, practice for an upcoming athletic contest, or volunteer for community service, they’re exerting positive peer pressure, which can help teens grow.  

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), teens “are the group most sensitive to social support.” Their developing brains give them a “heightened need for peer belonging and validation,” which can lead them to follow positive suggestions from peers but can also leave them vulnerable to negative peer pressure.  

This same research also shows that parents have an outsized idea as to whether their children are getting enough emotional and social support, with 93.1% saying so even though only 2 in 5 teens would concur. This lack of support can compromise mental and physical health and lead to anxiety, depression, and low life satisfaction—all of which can lead to poor decision making around alcohol.   

So, what does this mean? In short, it means parents still have a major role to play in encouraging teens to ask for emotional and social support when needed, which can eventually help them resist peer pressure to engage in risky behavior like underage drinking. 

If you feel your teen needs more structured emotional support, organizations such as Wake Monarch 

help youth build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation, and connect with mentors—all important factors in resisting negative peer pressure. 

How the Teen Brain Responds to Alcohol

If your teen is being pressured by friends or classmates to drink alcohol, you can give them some good reasons to resist by explaining the effects of alcohol on the teenage brain. Underage drinking can have serious effects, including: 

Five Ways Alcohol Impacts the Growing Brain

1. Slows brain activity – Alcohol can interfere with concentration, coordination, and reaction time. These effects can last beyond the moment of drinking, making it harder for teens to focus.  
2. Makes learning difficult – Alcohol interferes with overall brain health and makes learning more difficult, particularly for adolescents. This can lower academic performance or make studying feel more challenging. 
3. Impairs proper development – The prefrontal cortex, which helps with judgment and emotional regulation, continues developing during adolescence. Engaging in underage drinking can slow the brain’s development, potentially making future decision making more difficult.  
4. Impacts memory – Underage drinking, especially binge drinking, can lead to blackouts and loss of memory. Instead of remembering fun times, teens may struggle to recall certain events, which can feel disappointing or unsettling.  
5. Leads to long-term problems – Research shows that teens who start drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol. Delaying drinking until you are legally allowed to consume alcohol can lower the risk of future dependence.   

According to state data, about 108,000 North Carolina high school students drink alcohol and about half of those students binge drink. While underage drinking does occur, the majority of NC teens are choosing not to drink. This greatly helps combat the myth that “everyone is doing it.” 

How Parents Can Combat the Negative Effects of Peer Pressure

While you can’t always protect your teens from peer pressure, you can prepare them to resist it and choose healthy alternatives to alcohol. Supportive relationships with parents, trusted adults, and positive peers can make a big impact. Consider discussing the following strategies with your teen:  

• Talk openly about peer pressure, emotions, and decision making. Teens who feel heard are more likely to come to you when faced with tough choices. 
• Practice refusal skills together, such as simple statements like “I’m good” or “It’s not my thing.” 
• Encourage supportive friendships—especially those built on trust and respect, whether in person or online. Teens who feel accepted are less likely to engage in risky behavior. 
• Model healthy coping skills. Teens learn from what they see. Be a role model for stress management, communication, and problem solving. 
• Normalize choosing alcohol-free activities. Help them explore hobbies, creative projects, sports, gaming communities, volunteering, or other positive outlets. 

Let them know you love and support them, and make sure they know they can come to you if they’re pressured to drink alcohol or engage in other risky behaviors. Connection and communication are some of the strongest protective factors against negative peer influence. 

Above all, remind your teens that they’re not alone—many young people are choosing to stay healthy, connected, and alcohol-free. Start the Conversation with your child and begin combating the negative effects of peer pressure today!