1. 1 Chapter 12 Peer Relationships

2. 2 Lesson 1 Safe and Healthy Friendships

3. 3 Types of Peer Relationships Peers –People of similar age who share similar interests Types of Relationships –Friendships –Casual Friendships –Close Friendships –Cliques

4. 4 Friendships Friendship – a significant relationship between two people Platonic Friendship – a friendship with a member of the opposite gender in which there is affection but the two people are not considered a couple Casual Friendships Close Friendships Cliques

5. 5 Friendships cont., True Friendships have several common attributes: –Similar values, interests, beliefs, and attitudes on basic issues –Open and honest communications –Sharing of joys, disappointments, dreams and concerns –Mutual respect, caring and support –Concern about each other’s safety and well- being

6. 6 Cliques Small circle of friends, usually with similar backgrounds or tastes, who exclude people viewed as outsiders Clique members may share the same attitudes, dress a like, meet regularly at the same spot, or engage in other behaviors that identify them as a clique Positive and Negative influences –Provide a sense of belonging –Discouraged from thinking for themselves or acting as an individual Prejudice - making assumptions or judgments about an individual without really knowing him or her Stereotype - an exaggerated and oversimplified belief about an entire group of people, such as an ethnic or religious group or gender

7. 7 Forming Healthy Friendships Choosing Friends –Positive people –Healthy attitudes –Reinforce your values –Motivate you –Mutual protective factors –Responsible decision makers Building and Strengthening Friendships –Built on common values and interests –Be loyal –Encourage each other –Respect each other

8. 8 Lesson 2 Peer Pressure and Refusal Skills

9. 9 Peer Pressure The influence that people your age may have on you Your peers can sometimes influence how you think, feel and act Can have a positive or negative influence on your actions and behaviors

10. 10 Positive Peer Pressure Influence you to do community service Volunteer work Help you to not participate in risk behaviors or activities Role model –Inspire others to take part in a positive act or worthwhile cause

11. 11 Negative Peer Pressure Harassment –Persistently annoying others –Name calling, teasing and bullying –Go against your own values Manipulation –An indirect, dishonest way to control or influence others

12. 12 Common Methods of Manipulation Mocking or teasing another person in mean or hurtful ways Using “guilt trips” to get desired results Bargaining - offering to make a deal to get what one wants Using flattery or praise to influence another person Bribing - promising money or favors if the person will do what is asked Making threats - promising violence or some other negative consequence if the person does not do what is asked Using blackmail - threatening to reveal some embarrassing or damaging information if the person does not do what is asked

13. 13 Resisting Negative Peer Pressure Avoid it –Develop friendships with people who share your values and interests –Less pressure –Support of your decision Refusing to go along with the group –Sometimes teens are worried they will jeopardize their friendship if they do not go along with the pressure –“uncool”

14. 14 Assertive Refusal Standing up for your rights in a firm but positive way You state your position and stand your ground Acknowledge the rights of others Most effective approach when facing negative peer influences Often role models for others because people respect individuals who stay true to themselves

15. 15 Refusal Skills Techniques and strategies that help you say no effectively when faced with something that you don’t want to do or that goes against your values –Step 1: State Your Position Simply and firmly Non-verbal messages –Step 2: Suggest Alternatives –Step 3: Stand Your Ground Strong body language and eye contact

16. 16 Checklist: Assertive Communication Skills “I” messages Respectful but firm tone of voice Alternatives to action Clear, simple statements Appropriate body language

17. 17 Passive and Aggressive Responses Passive –Tendency to give up, give in, or back down without standing up for their own rights and needs Maybe be viewed as pushovers Aggressive –Overly forceful, pushy, hostile, or otherwise attacking in their approach Shouting, yelling, shoving or insulting