Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure Peers Peer pressure Positive peer pressure Negative peer pressure How to handle peer pressure and stress RED is input

Peers It is natural, healthy and important for students to have and rely on friends as they grow and mature. Peer groups are people who you hang out with that are your age. They’re the people you see just about every day. They’re sympathetic to your situation with parents, teachers, and siblings because they’re going through the same things you are. Having a peer group means that you get to hang out with people who totally get you and, even better, give you some independence from adults. Always remember, the people around you shape your personality. So, if you do not want to be exposed to negative influences, decide for yourself to avoid groups that are not what you are about.

Peer Pressure Peer pressure is when you feel you 'have to' do something that you might not usually choose to do. It is when you choose to do this to fit in, or 'be cool', amongst your peers. Everybody, no matter what age, is faced with pressure to 'fit in'. Some people might feel it more than others. You might feel it more in some situations than others. This can mean making choices that you don't really want to or that are unsafe. It can be hard to go against the grain and resist social pressure.

Peer Pressure In our teenage years this pressure can be even stronger because no one wants to feel like an outsider. They want to be liked and they worry that they may be left out or made fun of if they don’t go along with the group. Peer pressure can creep in and take over your life choices. Peer pressure can be pretty sneaky. Sometimes you don't even know it is happening or that you are choosing to do things because of it. Sometimes people might use the fact that they know you want to fit in to make you do things you don't want to.

Why does peer pressure work so well among teens? Teens are trying to figure out their place in their school or peer group. Acceptance satisfies a need to belong Life becomes easier when we act like others Teens really care about what their peers and friends think The feeling of belonging and social acceptance is very strong at this stage of development. This is why peer influence plays a huge part in steering the experiences and interest of teenagers. When teens are searching for their identity and the concepts that they want to define themselves by, social influences and peer interaction play a huge part in this process. These two factors can help form the teen into what he/she wants to be, or whom he/she fears of being.

Positive peer pressure While it can be hard for teens to resist peer influence sometimes, especially in the heat of the moment, it can also have a positive effect. Just as people can influence others to make negative choices, they can also influence them to make positive ones. In fact, friends often encourage each other to study, try out for sports, follow new artistic interests, develop new skills, and stimulate an interest in books, music or other extracurricular activities.

Positive peer pressure In this way, peer influence can lead teens to engage in new activities that can help build strong pathways in the brain. Skill-building activities—such as those physical, learning, and creative endeavors that teens are often encouraged to try through positive peer influence—not only provide stimulating challenges, but can simultaneously build strong pathways in the brain.

Positive peer pressure Peers can be positive and supportive and encourage each other to… (Choose your top 5 from below and write them down)   get to know your limits and what you are willing to accept improve your ability to make your own choices understand who you are as a unique and special individual introduce you to positive things like interests, music, friends… get you involved with positive people doing something worthwhile, eg. youth group, Green Corps, community helpers, sports team, church, drama or music group. feel like you belong and are valued for who you are increase confidence and a sense of security, because you know that your friends understand what is going on for you have a safe place to take positive risks, and to test out ideas have a way to get to know other people and what they think about things learn to negotiate, accept and get along with others be a good friend – if someone’s trying to pressure your friend, help him or her stand up.

Negative peer pressure However, peers can also have a negative influence. They can encourage each other to become involved in risky behaviors. When your own values are being compromised you might be pressured to do what everyone else is doing. This can mean making choices that you don't really want to or that are unsafe. Choices like: Wearing 'the right' clothes Stealing  Trying smokes, alcohol, drugs  Missing school Cheating in school Teasing, bullying or hurting others Too much dieting or body building 

Negative peer pressure Sometimes, though, if friends are doing something they know they shouldn’t be doing, they might want other people to go along so they don’t feel so bad. There is usually safety in numbers, but in this case, there isn’t. The majority of teens with substance abuse problems began using drugs or alcohol as a result of peer pressure.

Strategies for coping There are ways to avoid the negative effects of peer pressure and uncomfortable situations. How you deal with peer pressures can be different for everyone. The easiest way to deal with peer pressure is to avoid it altogether. Stay away from peers who pressure you to do things that seem wrong or dangerous. Learn how to say “no,” and practice how to avoid or get out of situations which feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Spend time with other kids who resist peer pressure. It helps to have at least one friend who is also willing to say “no.”

Strategies for coping Surround yourself with people you like, who like you, and who like doing things you like doing. If you have problems with peer pressure, talk to an adult you trust, like a parent, teacher or school counselor. Most importantly, be true to yourself. Make your own choices. Get to know who you are and what is good for you and your life.

Strategies for coping DETERMINE the risk. Know what you are getting yourself into. DEFINE the consequences. Ask yourself what are the negative things that could happen if you participate in this risky behavior. When you weigh the consequences against any momentary thrills, chances are you will decide that those are risks you do not want to take. DECIDE what you want to do right now. Hopefully you will decide to go with the positive alternative instead of the negative. DO is having the courage to do what is best for you. Learn from your mistakes and learn from your peers - their successes and their mistakes. This can help you make positive choices about your own life. THINK about what someone gets out of pressuring you to do something. Is this really for your benefit? Or for theirs?

Strategies for coping You’ve heard it before — character is who you are when no one else is watching. Character is important. It’s important to people all around you, to future employers, and to your future spouse.

Character building tips Set your standards high. Determine what is right and what is wrong before you face situations that will test your standards. Avoid compromising situations. Don’t allow yourself to get into situations where you know you’ll be tempted to bend your standards. Choose friends wisely. Let’s face it — if you hang with the wrong crowd it will drag you down every time. Be accountable. Find someone who shares your high standards and ask them to hold you accountable. Ask them to look you in the eye and ask the tough questions. While we are constantly influenced by those around us, ultimately the decision to act (or not to act) is up to us as individuals. So when it comes to decision making, the choice is up to you.

Output Activity Create a double bubble comparing positive and negative peer pressure. Must have at least 12 circles total.