What if peer pressure wasn’t a problem, but a solution?

A relatable story that sets the stage for discussing peer influence because leadership should start early; turning influence into a force for good.

I have never been a fan of cliques.

In secondary school, I had just a few good friends - loyal, studious, and aligned with the values my parents drilled into me. Getting into trouble was never an option; my parents would have ensured I faced divine judgment on earth if I did anything that deviated from their expectations. lol.

But life has a way of testing our resolve.

I remember an unusual case from school: a new girl joined our class. She wasn’t your typical student; she had been sent to Nigeria to “straighten out” after some misadventures abroad. With her came a flair for rebellion, a sprinkle of mischief, and an attitude that was both fascinating and concerning.

She quickly befriended some of my close friends, which meant, by association, I had to interact with her as well. One day, she convinced us to do something in secret - something that landed us in hot water with our seniors. The consequences could have been much worse if we hadn't pleaded vigorously for mercy.

One of the seniors looked at me in utter disappointment and said, “Esther, you? You that’s always so quiet and gentle… Ha! So you can do this too?” I wanted the earth to open up and swallow me whole. It was a defining moment, a slap-in-the-face realization that no matter how firm your values are, peer influence is a force to reckon with.

Peer influence is one of the most powerful forces shaping behavior, especially among young people. Research shows that 75% of adolescents have engaged in risk-taking behaviors due to peer pressure. In Nigeria, a survey by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that peer influence plays a significant role in substance use and behavioral patterns among teenagers. Globally, a study by the American Psychological Association found that 80% of teenagers acknowledge having been influenced to act against their better judgment at some point.

But here’s the thing: influence is neutral - it’s neither good nor bad. It’s the wielder who decides whether it becomes a tool for positive transformation or destruction. Think about leaders like Joseph, who influenced a nation with wisdom and integrity, Daniel, who stood firm in his beliefs and influenced kings, or Esther, whose courage saved a generation. Their influence wasn’t just for personal gain - it shaped nations and generations.

In our times, we have seen people like Nelson Mandela, who led with forgiveness and unity to rebuild South Africa, Mother Teresa, whose compassion and selflessness inspired global humanitarian efforts, and Desmond Tutu, who used his voice to advocate for justice and reconciliation. Their influence wasn’t about popularity; it was about purpose. Now, imagine if young people in Nigeria understood the true power of their influence and wielded it for something transformational.

This is why SystemSpecs Group is calling on students across Nigeria to channel their peer influence towards something meaningful through the Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC) 2025. The theme? “How I Would Use Technology to Mobilize My Peers for a Greater Nigeria.”

In an era where social media trends can spread like wildfire and digital communities are forming at breakneck speed, how can young minds use technology, as a mobilization tool to drive positive peer influence? How can they harness social networks, apps, and digital platforms to mobilize for education, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and national development?

As parents and educators, we’ve all had that moment - when our child comes home with “that look” on their face, and we just know something is off. Maybe they were influenced to do something that didn’t align with the values we’ve taught them. Or worse, maybe they were the instigator of bad behavior. It’s a reality check for many of us.

But what if we started shifting the narrative? Instead of just warning them about “bad company,” what if we equipped them with the mindset that they are the company? That they have the power to be the influencer, the trendsetter, the leader?

This is why this topic matters. We need to reframe how young people see influence - not as a passive force that happens to them, but as an active tool they can control and shape for good.

When young minds work together, innovation thrives. The greatest movements in history weren’t solo efforts; they were collective actions. Imagine the ripple effect if students nationwide harnessed their collective intellect, creativity, and technology to tackle issues like education gaps, climate change, or economic empowerment.

So here’s the challenge: how can we, as parents, educators, and professionals, inspire the next generation to use their influence for national transformation? How do we ensure that peer influence in Nigeria isn’t just a force - it’s a force for good?

The conversation starts now. And for the students, the essay competition is your stage. Let’s see how you would use technology to mobilize your peers for a greater Nigeria.

How to Participate

Students between the ages of 9 and 16 are invited to submit their essays for CDEC 2025. Entries must be original, thought-provoking, and demonstrate a clear understanding of how technology can be leveraged for peer influence and national impact.

Deadline for submission: April 11, 2025

For more details on eligibility, submission guidelines, and prizes, visit https://lnkd.in/dzaiMUtj or follow @systemspecsnig on social media.

Looking back at my own experience, I realize now that the disappointment in that senior’s voice wasn’t just about what I had done - it was about the expectations of what I could be. That moment didn’t define me negatively; it sharpened my resolve to always be intentional about the kind of influence I want to have on those around me. Peer influence doesn’t have to be something we fall victim to; it can be something we take charge of. If we equip young minds with the right values and tools, we can create a ripple effect of transformation. We can raise a generation that influences not just for trends, but for true change.

This is our opportunity. Let’s make it count.

Image: Designed by Freepik

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