Why are people of all ages so taken in by the ever-present peer pressure syndrome?

on Nov 14, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: When I was a teenager, I fought against succumbing to peer pressure and was surprised to learn that it doesn’t get much better as an adult. What really troubles me is trying to help my kids recognize peer pressure, which has been taken to a whole new level because of social media. Now it’s called cyberbullying: incessant text messages, tagging people in posts, and the difficulty in sorting out true friends from “friends.” Why are people of all ages so taken in by the ever-present peer pressure syndrome? – C.B.

A: Consider the strength of two magnets placed a short distance apart and then moving one toward the other. One magnet will draw the other closer until they adhere, making it difficult to pull them apart.

Peer pressure can have the same effect as a magnet. The closer we get to temptation, the more likely we’re pulled in its direction. Wanting to be accepted by the wrong crowd can lead us to temptation and ultimately sin. We mustn’t feed our minds on things that pull us away from the things of God.

The Bible story of Joseph is often cited when conversations revolve around dealing with peer pressure. When this young man was tempted by his master’s wife, he said, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9, NKJV). This is the key. Joseph recognized the temptation and fled so that he would not bring dishonor to the God he served. His mind was on God! This is what gave Joseph the strength to flee, and the Bible says, “The Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2, NKJV).

If we are praying not to enter into temptation (see Luke 22:40), the Lord will enable us to recognize it and flee. It is important to think clearly about the friends we keep, the crowds we follow, and where they lead.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)