Peer Influence: Its Contribution in Developing Behavioral Problems among Students

The years in which an individual attends high school and senior high school is a unique time in one's life, it's a time to grow and become independent while working through a pattern of behaviors that are acceptable to its environment. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature on the relationships between the positive and negative influence of peers, socialization, and other factors that have been identified in the existing studies of behavior and how peer influence can play a massive role in conformity. The researchers used the descriptive method which was utilized by gathering, analyzing, and presenting collected data. The survey instrument composed of three parts was used in the study with 5-point Likert scale. Out of 11,000 students from Grades 7 to Grade 12 S.Y, 2020-2021 of Quezon National Highschool, fifty (50) junior high school and fifty (50) senior high school students were used as a sample in conducting the survey. This study limits its coverage the Grade 7 to Grade 12 only. Its main purpose is to identify the effect of peer influence on behavior among students and common problems that they encounter and to propose possible solutions regarding these problems. The researchers have concluded that peer influence has both negative and positive effects on students' behavior. According to the results gathered, there are positive effects of peer pressure toward student behavior like it builds them a friendship, gave moral support, changes their negative perspective into positive, boosts their selfconfidence, improves their ability to cope with stress and sense of belongingness. While in negative impacts of peer pressure leads to irresponsible behavior like cheating in class and drinking alcohol. The result gathered by the researchers showed that the peer pressure in Quezon National High school has a more positive effect although there are two negative factors. As a result, the researchers proposed two programs that will surely help students in coping with negative peer influences, which are the “Barkada kontra alak” and the “Student care group” programs. Moreover, the “Student care group program could be their guidance inside the campus wherein there are student councilors that will help them in subjects that they needed much attention. In this way, the increase of negative peer influence could be alleviated through this program. While the “Barkada Kontra Alak Program” promotes and facilitates meaningful discussions, talent competitions, structured learning activities, and workshops concerning the impacts of alcohol usage on children and teenagers. It is beneficial for young people to be aware of the negative consequences of alcohol misuse, as well as to advocate for a healthy, alcohol-free lifestyle