Chapter 13 Lessons 1 & 2 for 7th- 12th grades Introducing… Peer Relationships Chapter 13 Lessons 1 & 2 for 7th- 12th grades Brought to you by: Brittane Williams Brandi Williams Alicia Golden Marie Jean-Baptiste

Types of Peer Relationships Friendships -Casual -Close -Platonic Cliques Dating Relationships

Casual Friendships Casual friends are peers with whom you feel socially connected. *(These friendships, however, do not fill some of the deeper needs humans have.)

Close Friendships A close friend is more likely to share with you what he or she is really feeling and thinking and, in turn, make you feel comfortable doing the same. You may trust a close friend with your secrets or go to this person when you are hurting, confused, or in trouble. He or she might give you honest criticism and provide encouragement.

Platonic Relationships A platonic friendship is a relationship with a member of the opposite gender in which there is affection, but no sexual activity.

Cliques A clique is a small, narrow circle of friends, usually with similar backgrounds or tastes, that excludes people they view as outsiders.

Cliques In Action! http://www.ifilm.com/video/2873992

Negative Impacts of Cliques Clique members may treat non-members with disrespect. Being part of a clique can be damaging because members are often discouraged from thinking and acting as individuals. You might be pressured to do things that go against your values.

Clique members may also be missing out on the benefits of meeting and interacting with a variety of people, which is important to an individual’s social health. The beliefs and actions of cliques are prejudicial Rejecting others based on superficial differences is damaging and can be damaging to clique members in the long run.

Dating Relationships Benefits of Dating include: It teaches interpersonal skills Can lead to emotional maturity It aids in recognition of your strengths and weaknesses

Dating Continued… Negative effects of dating include: Breaking up, Making up, and Breaking up again can be painful! Staying in a relationship when you want to call it off Clinging to a relationship when the other person no longer wants to be involved

Peer Pressure in Relationships Peer Pressure- The control and influence people your age may have over you Negative Peer Influence Manipulation Positive Peer Pressure

Types of Manipulation Mocking or teasing the person in mean or hurtful ways. Bargaining, or offering to make a deal to get what one wants. Bribing, or promising money or favors if the person will do what another asks of him or her. Using guilt trips to get desired results

Making threats, or using words that show a person intends to use violence or some other negative means to get his or her way. Using blackmail, or threatening to reveal some damaging information if the person does not conform. Using flattery or undeserved praise to influence another person.

Things that Teens are Pressured into Doing

1. Having Sex 2. Taking Drugs 3. Drinking Alcohol 4. Stealing 5. Violence 6. Dieting 7. Sneaking Out 8. Conforming To A Group

Top Reasons Teens Choose to Drink http://www.grltlk.org/images/why_chooseto_graph.jpg

Ways to Respond to Negative Peer Pressure “The Passive Way”- Giving up, giving in, or backing down without standing up for your own rights and needs. “The Aggressive Way”- Overly forceful, pushy, hostile, or otherwise attacking in approach. “The Assertive Way”- Standing up for your own rights, in firm but positive ways.

Assertive Refusal (Best way to combat negative peer pressure!) State your position simply but firmly. (All you need to say is “No, I don’t want to.” Then give an honest reason why you don’t want to participate. Suggest alternatives to the behavior being proposed. Back up your words with actions. (Use strong body language and maintain eye contact.)

Positive Peer Influence The positive peer pressure includes an atmosphere that helps develop social skills and an environment that allows  the person to feel safe by surrounding him/herself with people who share similar attributes and interests. Positive peer pressure is a being encouraged to do something that will be beneficial to ones self  and/ or others.

Ways to Encourage Positive Peer Influences Doing community service Establishing good eating habits Obeying school and parents’ rules Getting to know people outside of your usual group of friends Respecting others’ decisions

Resources for Students Dealing with Peer Pressure Boys and Girls Clubs School Guidance counselors Parents/Older siblings

References - Girl Talk- Choices and Consequences of Underage Dringking: http://www.grltlk.org/images/why_chooseto_graph.jpg - Merki, M.B., & Merki, D. (1999). Glencoe Health: A Guide to Wellness. Teacher’s Wraparound Edition. Woodland Hills, CA: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. Pgs. 297-313