Page 25 - Holistic Horizons - 7

Let
Let’s read the following story to better understand the impact of peer pressure.’s read the following story to better understand the impact of peer pressure.

STORY TIME

I want to be popular

Nidhi is a 13-year-old shy, introverted child who usually keeps to year-old shy, introverted child who usually keeps to
Nidhi is a 13-
herself, but is very observant. She studies in class VII and like
herself, but is very observant. She studies in class VII and like
any other girl, has her own dreams and aspirations. She also
any other girl, has her own dreams and aspirations. She also
wants to be admired by others in the class, the way they
wants to be admired by others in the class, the way they
admire Kritika, a hugely popular girl.

Kritika has her own friend circle in which most of her
friends listen to her and they all usually agree to do
what she says or decides. One day during recess time,
Kritika and her group were planning to go celebrate

Kritika’s birthday after school in a restaurant nearby.
Nidhi too wanted to be a part of Kritika’s group as
it seemed cool and fun. She wished Kritika happy
birthday and expressed her wish to be a part of their
group.

They all agreed, but Kritika asked Nidhi to accept a dare to be a part of their group. The dare
required Nidhi to bunk school in the last period that day and reach the restaurant with a cake

before the school day ended. Nidhi suddenly felt confused as she was scared of being caught, but
at the same time was also tempted to be daring and become
at the same time was also tempted to be daring and become
popular like Kritika. After thinking for a while she agreed and
popular like Kritika. After thinking for a while she agreed and
everyone in the group started clapping and cheering for her.
everyone in the group started clapping and cheering for her.
Nidhi loved the attention she got and decided to go ahead
Nidhi loved the attention she got and decided to go ahead
with the plan.
with the plan.
Nidhi had never bunked school before ever and was
Nidhi had never bunked school before ever and was
very nervous the entire day. She tried to sneak out of
very nervous the entire day. She tried to
the school gate of the junior wing in the last period.

Unfortunately, she was caught and sent to the
principal’s o ce and was suspended for a week. Nidhi
was not able to say anything to defend herself and
she felt terribly guilty. She felt scared of her parents’
reaction also. She later saw some classmates giggling
and laughing at her.

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