Peer Pressure 1

Give 2 examples of how you experience peer pressure.

What is Peer Pressure? Pressure from your friends to do things that they are doing or act in ways that they are acting. It can come from one person or a group of people Sometimes it leads us to do things we wouldn’t normally do 3

Peer Pressure Continued…. You and your friends make a lot of decisions every day, and you influence each other's choices and behaviors. How do you influence the behavior of your friends? PEER PRESSURE CAN BE EITHER POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE! 4

Things We Get Pressured Into Fashion Choices Alcohol and Drug Use Decision to have a boyfriend or girlfriend Choice of friends Academic Performance Sports Who influences you most in these peer pressure situations? 5

Why Do People Give Into Peer Pressure? To be liked To fit in Worry that other kids may make fun of you if you don't go along with the group. The idea that "everyone's doing it" may influence you to leave their better judgment. 6

Who are three people you can talk to about peer pressure? Types of Peer Pressure Direct Someone telling you what you should be doing. Talk to someone you trust if you feel threatened, are being hurt or being pressured into something you do not want to do. Who are three people you can talk to about peer pressure?

Types of Peer Pressure Indirect- Peer pressure may not always be obvious to you. A group of friends might have particular habits or activities that they do together (skip class to go to the bathroom, come tardy to class, gossip about other people) When you are with a different group of friends you probably wouldn’t do those things 8

Types of Peer Pressure Individual – Sometimes the pressure comes from you! When we are feeling unsure about ourselves we may be more likely to feel the effects of peer pressure. To make sure we feel like the rest of the group. Making new friends Fit into a new environment (new school) 9

Things you might feel... If you feel pressure, how does your body tell you? Your legs feel shaky. Your mouth feels dry. Your tummy feels full of 'butterflies' or you feel sick. Your heart beats faster. Your head feels hot - or cold. 10

How Can Bad Peer Pressure Affect You? Bad or negative peer pressure usually leads to… Drinking alcohol Experimenting with drugs Smoking Lower grades Trouble with the law, your parents and your health 11

Responding to Bad Peer Pressure The key= Self confidence. Be yourself Make your own decisions Listen to your gut instinct – it’s probably right! Learn to feel comfortable and confident saying NO!!! Surround yourself with people who have similar values as you. 12

Responding to Bad Peer Pressure Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you are in an awkward peer pressure situation seek help from a family member, teacher, or someone you feel comfortable talking to. 13

Ultimately, You Make the Decision!!! Stop and think. Ask yourself some questions. Could this be trouble? Will it break the law? Will it break the school or home rules? Will people in authority be angry with me or disappointed? Will someone be hurt - their body or their feelings? Will I be safe? Do I feel good about this? Assess the situation - think about what is happening. 14

GOOD PEER PRESSURE Being pushed into something that you didn’t have the courage to do, or something that just didn’t cross your mind. When your friends convince you not to do something you were going to do because it wasn’t in your best interest. Do you have friends who give you good peer pressure? 15

How can you Benefit from Good Peer Pressure? You may learn something new and have a new experience. You can overcome a fear. You can gain friendships, encouragement and good advice.

Benefits of Good Peer Pressure? You can avoid… Getting into trouble Breaking the law Jeopardizing your health 17