Peer pressure exists for all ages. The level of peer pressure influence generally increases as children grow. Resistance to peer pressure influence often declines as children gain independence from the family or caregivers; and before they fully form an adult identity. Pre-school children tend to be the least aware of peer pressure and are the least influenced by the need to conform. However with more social interaction outside the home and more awareness of other the influence of peers increases.

​

Pre-teens and teenagers face many issues related to conformity and peer pressure. They are pulled between the desire to be seen as individuals of unique value and the desire to belong to a group where they feel secure and accepted. The result is that often teens reject family or general society values, while feeling pressure to conform rigidly to the values of their peer group.