Learning effective refusal skills will help you deal with negative peer pressure.

peer pressure harassment manipulation assertive refusal skills passive aggressive

Peer Pressure Peers can influence how you think, feel, and act. During the teen years, it is common to experience peer pressure.

How you respond to peer pressure can impact your health and safety. The influence that people your age may have on you

Positive Peer Pressure Peers can influence you in many positive ways.   Sometimes, positive peer pressure involves not participating in risky behaviors or activities.

Negative Peer Pressure Peers sometimes pressure others to take part in behaviors or accept beliefs with negative consequences.

Negative Peer Pressure Negative peer pressure may lead some teens to engage in harassment. Harassment Persistently annoying others

Negative Peer Pressure Another way that some people exert negative peer pressure is through manipulation. Manipulation An indirect, dishonest way to control or influence other people

Resisting Negative Peer Pressure Practicing refusal skills will help you deal with negative peer pressure. Throughout your life, you will experience instances in which peers try to influence you to behave in a particular way.

Resisting Negative Peer Pressure One way to resist negative peer pressure is to develop friendships with people who share your values and interests. Supportive friends help you resist peer pressure.

Resisting Negative Peer Pressure Common Methods Of Manipulation Promising violence or some other negative consequence if the person does not do what is asked Making Threats Threatening to reveal some embarrassing or damaging information if the person does not do what is asked Blackmail Mocking or Teasing Making fun of another person in mean or hurtful ways

Resisting Negative Peer Pressure Common Methods Of Manipulation “Guilt trips” Making a person feel guilty to get desired results Bargaining Offering to make a deal to get what one wants Using excessive praises to influence another person Flattery Promising money or favors if the person does what is asked Bribing

Resisting Negative Peer Pressure In making decisions that involve potentially risky consequences, your health and safety come first.   Rehearsing assertive refusals will make it easier to say no when pressure situations arise.

Assertive Refusal When you practice assertive communication, you state your position and stand your ground while acknowledging the rights of others.   This is the most effective approach when facing negative peer influences.

Effective refusal skills involve a three-step process: Step 1: State Your Position. Step 2: Suggest Alternatives. Step 3: Stand Your Ground.

Refusal Skills Step 1: State Your Position. State your position simply and firmly. Combine your words with nonverbal messages. Give an honest reason for your response.

Refusal Skills Step 2: Suggest Alternatives. By offering an alternative, you create an opportunity to spend time with your friend in a way that makes you comfortable. Your suggestion is most effective if it takes you away from the dangerous or unpleasant situation.

Refusal Skills Step 3: Stand Your Ground. Make it clear that you mean what you said. Use strong body language and maintain eye contact, but do not touch the other person or become physical in any way. If this doesn’t work, remove yourself from the situation.

Refusal Skills Shaking your head is one way to communicate no. Raising your hands in a “Stop” or “No way” signal tells others that you are not interested. If the other person continues to pressure you, you can walk away from the situation.

Passive and Aggressive Responses Passive communicators are unwilling or unable to express their thoughts and feelings in a direct or firm manner.   Being passive may cause others to view them as pushovers who aren’t worthy of respect.

Passive and Aggressive Responses Aggressive responses are overly forceful, pushy, or hostile.   Aggressive responses can result in emotional or physical harm to both parties.

Passive and Aggressive Responses Practicing assertive communication is the most effective way to deal with peer pressure.   Being assertive shows that you will stand up for your rights, beliefs, and needs. It shows that you respect yourself and those around you.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary What is peer pressure? Peer pressure is the influence that people your age may have on you.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary Identify two examples of manipulation. Answers will vary. Examples include making threats, blackmail, and teasing.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary How might a friend help you resist negative peer pressure? Friends who have respect for your health and well-being will be less likely to pressure you. They will also be supportive.