Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure

When you think of peer pressure you probably relate it with situations that can get you in trouble such as smoking, drinking, drugs, stealing and sexual activity. Did you know that peer pressure is considered anything that makes you feel pressured to do what others are doing? This could be something as simple as wearing a certain style of clothing or acting a certain way to fit in with a group.

Examples of Peer Pressure

“Come on, everyone is doing it.”
“If you really love me, you’ll do it.”
“Don’t be afraid of what others will say.”
“Don’t you want to see what it’s like?”

Peer Pressure does not always have to be a bad thing. Friends look at each other as role models and often begin to act like each other. Set a good example of yourself, and others will follow.

Peer pressure is everywhere, but it’s important to stand up for yourself. Giving into negative peer pressure can not only get you in trouble with your parents and possibly the law, it can have lasting emotional effects such as a low self esteem, guilt, depression and changes in social interactions. It’s not always easy to say no when you’re with a group of people, but it’s important to stay true to yourself. For some ideas on how to say no when you find yourself feeling pressured to do something you are not comfortable with.

Ways to say No

Say nothing and walk away
Change the subject
Suggest other activities to do
Turn the pressure around (i.e. “if you really love me, you would not pressure me”, I don’t think everyone is doing it, even if they are, I’m not)
Have a back up plan for situations you feel you made be pressured-if your going to a party bring a bottle of water with you
Use your parents-blame them “are you kidding, if my parents found out they would kill me” or use them-come up with a code word or situation you can call them about so they know you are being pressured and they can come get you

For more ways to deal with peer pressure, check out this site:
http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/friend/peer_pressure.html

http://www.girlsandboystown.org/hotline/KidTeenTips.asp

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