1. Peer Pressure , Refusal Skills and Abstinence

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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