Peer pressure
What is peer pressure?
Peer pressure is the influence of friends or persons your own age to act in a certain way or participate in a particular activity. Peer pressure is not always a bad thing. Peers can influence you to do things that are harmful to your body, or things that are safe and healthful.
Examples of Positive Peer Pressure:
-Your friend makes you wear your seat belt in their car.
-Your friend wants you to try out for the soccer team when she does.
-Your friend wants to ride bikes to school instead of getting your mom to drive.
-Instead of fries, your friend suggests you get a salad with your hamburger.
-Your brother wants you to wear your helmet when you skateboard together.
-The 5th graders at school are giving a reward to the 6th grade class that recycles the most.Examples of Negative Peer Pressure:
-A group of friends are making fun of Danny, and encourage you to join in.|
-You're at a party and everyone keeps trying to hand you a beer.
-A friend tells you not to wear your helmet because it doesn't look cool.
-You're invited to a party, but it is after your curfew. Your friends tell you to sneak out of your house.
-Your friend talks to you asking questions in the middle of a school lesson.
-Your classmate tells you to lie about why you didn't bring back your homework.
Activity: With a partner, chose one of each of the above scenarios (an example of positive and an example of negative peer pressure). Act it out and think of ways you would respond to your friend/peer/sibling to make a decision that is the most safe, healthy and responsible for you.
Links
What factors influlence your health?
Guidelines for Responsible Decision Making
How can I use Resistance Skills?