Middle School Groups Ages 11-13 Peer Relationships Middle School Groups Ages 11-13

Presenters Group 8 Alena Senior Stacy Bishop Shaquira Etan Ron Clark Adam Fournier

Peer Relationships Types of Relationships Friendships A significant relationship between two people Based on caring, respect, consideration, and trust

Peer Relationships Types of Relationships (cont’d) Cliques A small, narrow circle of friends Usually share similar backgrounds or tastes Excludes people they view as outsiders

Peer Relationships 3 Types of Friendship Casual Friendships – peers with whom you feel socially connected Close Friendships – peers with whom you are more likely to share your real feelings and thoughts Platonic Friendships – a relationship with a member of the opposite gender in which there is affection, but no sexual activity

Cliques May be tightly or loosely knit May treat non-members with scorn, ridicule, or indifference Often discourages its members from being themselves Actions are often “prejudicial” – a negative feeling toward someone/something based on stereotypes rather than experience

Responsible Relationships As you experience changes in your feelings toward the opposite sex, it becomes important to be responsible in the relationships you form

Responsible Relationships Dating Relationships Dating is part of the process of learning interpersonal skills Dating helps you learn what types of people you like and get along with best Allows you to practice decision-making and communication skills

Responsible Relationships Ongoing Relationships A continuous relationship with one person of the opposite sex Teens may be closing themselves off from meeting other people early in their social development Breaking up and making up can be painful, but is necessary to becoming socially mature

Responsible Relationships Choosing Not to Date Not all teens date Some have others interests, don’t have time, or simply don’t feel emotionally ready Wait until you feel comfortable about dating Talk to your parents about dating to learn their views on dating and values

Defining Peer Pressure Positive Peer Pressure Doing something you didn’t have the courage to do Turns out well

Defining Peer Pressure Negative Peer Pressure Doing something you don’t want to do Turns out poorly May cause addiction Manipulation To manage or influence skillfully

Peer Pressure High Risk Traits Low self esteem Lack of confidence Uncertainty about one’s place in a group No personal interests Feeling isolated from peers and/or family

Peer Pressure High Risk Traits (cont’d.) Lack of direction in life Depression Eating disorders Poor academic abilities or performance Fear of one’s peers Close bond with a bully

Peer Pressure Why give in? “Everyone’s doing it” mentality Desire to fit in Fear of consequences Being made fun of Being left out Curiosity

Negative Peer Pressure Submitting to negative peer pressure Desire to fit into the group Labeled as a loser

Negative Peer Pressure Mostly effects: Girls based on their looks Between ages of 10-14 years old Focuses on: Importance of having a certain look Being considered “pretty” or “handsome” Looking like an idolized model/body builder Pressure to have certain clothes, shoes, accessories

Negative Peer Pressure

Responding to Negative Peer Pressure There are 3 ways you can respond to negative peer pressure Passively Aggressively Assertively

Responding to Negative Peer Pressure The Passive Way Giving up, giving in, or backing down without standing up for your own rights and needs Passive people may think that they are making friends by going along with peer pressure

Responding to Negative Peer Pressure The Aggressive Way Being overly forceful, pushy, hostile, or otherwise attacking in approach The aggressive approach to saying no may involve punching, yelling, shouting insults, or displaying other kinds of physical or verbal force

Responding to Negative Peer Pressure The Assertive Way Stand up for your rights in a firm yet positive manner State your position, acknowledge the rights of other individuals, and then stand your ground Do not bully or back away Become a role model for other teens

Peer Pressure and Refusal Skills Assertive Refusal How to win: Prepare ahead of time for uncomfortable situations Know where you stand on key issues Do not allow yourself to seek comfort in making others feel bad Think of yourself as a leader Refuse to let yourself down

Personalizing Peer Pressure What inner conflicts did the main character face? What happened when he resisted peer pressure? And when he gave in? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like there was no right answer? What would you have done if you were in main character’s position?