As a parent of a college student, you certainly may be concerned about the peer pressure that they face on campus. In some cases, peer pressure can even be linked to criminal activity that the child may never have engaged in on their own.
One example of this is underage drinking. Reports find that peer pressure plays a large role, both in normalizing drinking and in influencing students to partake. Many students who would not drink on their own, in their dorm room, will do so if they are out at a college party. Peer pressure is often strongly correlated to binge drinking, as people may be encouraged or pressured to drink more than they want.
Other types of college crime
But it is not just alcohol use. Peer pressure could also lead to illegal drug use, for example. Students could be pressured to illegally use prescription drugs or smoke marijuana simply because the others around them are experimenting with those substances.
Theft and property crimes, including shoplifting, can also be the result of peer pressure. Someone may be dared to steal an item from a store. They do not need the item, and they could technically afford to buy it, but they want to keep up appearances in front of the other students, so they go forward with the dare.
Legal defense options
Youthful mistakes made under peer pressure can have a significant impact on a college student’s future. It is very important for both the student and their parents to understand exactly what legal defense options they have when facing charges.