What is the reason for teens to do the same as their peers?

For teenagers, it can seem very important to "fit in". Teens are very concerned about their images, and they are worried about what others think about them. As a result, peer pressure is very influential in many teens’ lives. Peer pressure is basically the influence that people of your age have on you. This pressure may be fairly straightforward, with some teens pressuring others to take part in certain activities. In some cases, though, peer pressure is a little more subtle, with clues given to teens that they won’t be "cool" if they don’t participate, even without the deliberate pressure to do what everyone else is doing. For teenagers, it is the influence that other teens have on their behavior, dress, attitude and practices. Often, [11]teenagers do what others are doing so that they can fit in — or at least not stand out. Teens like to do what their friends are doing, and be accepted. This peer pressure, though, can lead to undesirable behaviors, which may not be healthy, physically or emotionally, for the teenagers. [12] While some teens choose some behaviors when they are ready, many feel rushed into decisions that they are not quite ready to make. Many end up overwhelmed by the consequences of their efforts to fit in with their peer group. There is always going to be a certain amount of bowing to peer pressure. Teens naturally want to project the "right" image. However, parents can reduce the influence that peer pressure has on their teenagers. [13] It is vitally important that parents help their teenagers develop the self confidence to withstand peer pressure, and make their own decisions.