Under the influence

Early years practitioners tend to see 'peer pressure' as a negative influence on children but, says Jennie Lindon, it can also have a positive effect on a setting's atmosphere As well as all the positive influence that we hope to bring to bear as adults, children can influence each other's behaviour. The phrase 'peer pressure' tends to be used by early years practitioners, and parents as well, to explain situations when children provoke each other into less acceptable behaviour. But of course sometimes the pressure is positive. It is important to allow for ways in which peer pressure can work...