Peer Pressure , Refusal Skills and Abstinence

Peer Pressure Peer Pressure- Influence that people your age have on you Positive Peer Pressure Negative Peer Pressure Harassment- Persistently annoying others Manipulation- An indirect, dishonest way to control or influence other people

Types of Manipulation -Making threats -blackmail -Mocking or teasing -Guilt trips -Bargaining -Flattery -Bribing

Assertive Refusal Refusal Skills State your position Suggest Alternatives Stand your ground When you practice assertive communication you say what you mean, and mean what you say Practicing assertive communication is the most effective way to deal with peer pressure Passive responses are viewed by others as pushovers Aggressive people may get their way, but most people react to aggressive behavior by avoiding the person or by fighting back

Practicing abstinence Dating decisions Personal values and priorities will influence your dating decisions Priorities- The goals, tasks, values and activities that you judge to be more important than others Establishing healthy dating expectations: You Deserve to be treated with consideration and Respect Be yourself, communicate your thought and feelings honestly Never feel pressured to do anything that goes against your values or your family’s values Set limits, Curfews, dating age, where you will go, how you will get there

Abstinence –a deliberate decision to avoid high risk behaviors Intimacy- Closeness between two people that develops over time Infatuation- Exaggerated feelings of passion Self Control- A person’s ability to use responsibility to override emotions Set limits for expressing affection Communicate with your partner Talk to a trusted adult Seek low-pressure dating situations Dates someone who respects and shares your values Avoid places where there is alcohol or drugs Avoid being alone with date in an isolated place

Consider the Consequences Sexually Transmitted diseases- Infectious diseases spread from person to person through sexual contact Unplanned Pregnancy Effects on mental and emotional health (guilt, loss of respect, regret and anxiety)

Committing to Abstinence Choosing abstinence is always an option regardless of past experiences Teens who recommit to abstinence will feel good about their decisions to protect their health and well being