 Peer Pressure is when someone is influenced by friends or just people that they know.  This is a big reason people do bad things. It’s easier to say no to doing something, than it is to say no to your friends, or people that you know and “trust”.

1.) One stereotype is that it always happens quickly. It can be gradual. People think peer pressure is when you're at a party, and people are telling you to do something. Well, while that does happen, it can also happen over time. People can change your lifestyle, and your views of right and wrong.

2. ) Another stereotype is that peer pressure is only an issue for teens. This is definitely not true. People older and younger struggle with this too. It may be in different ways but its still there.

3 ). Another stereotype is that peer pressure only deals with drugs, alcohol, etc. Although it does deal with things like this, and those are very serious things, those aren’t the only things people are pressured into.

4 )The last stereotype is that someone has to physically tell you to do something, but it can go in silence. No one has to say anything to you. You can be affected by peer pressure from being around someone, and getting used to how they act.

You do have the choice to say no, and it probably won’t be that big of a deal. And if it is a big deal, it’s worth it. It’s your life and not fitting in one time isn’t worth ruining your life. Just because everyone is doing something, doesn’t mean that it’s okay. Even if it’s the “good people”. Matthew 7:13,14 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

You help others by not forcing them to anything they don’t want to do, and by being and example. If you know someone who is afraid to say no, show them they can do it.