Types of Peer Pressure
Your friend encourages you to try out for the school play because they think you’d do well. This is an example of these types of peer pressure.
What is positive peer pressure? What is spoken peer pressure?
True or False: Peer pressure is always negative and leads to bad decisions.
False
A friend keeps asking you to skip homework and play video games instead. What could you say to keep your boundary but still be friendly?
"I’d love to hang out after I finish my homework"
You’re at a friend’s house, and everyone starts playing a game that makes you uncomfortable. What would you do to stay true to your feelings?
Quietly step out of the game and find another activity, like reading or playing on your phone, until they’re done.
You’re with a group of friends when they start pressuring someone else to do something that could get them into trouble. You can tell the person feels uncomfortable, but they’re too nervous to say no. What are 3 things you can do to show leadership and help out?
Judge will determine if 3 action steps are appropriate.
Someone suggests you should pretend to be sick to skip an important test. This is an example of these types of peer pressure.
What is negative peer pressure? What is direct peer pressure? What is spoken peer pressure?
Only one type of peer pressure can happen at a time.
False
Someone dares you to do something you know is risky. What’s a simple way to turn down the dare confidently?
"No thanks, I don’t feel comfortable doing that"
Your friends start talking about skipping school to go to the park, and they invite you to come along. What would you do to handle this positively?
Stay in the classroom and start working on your assignments, letting them know you’ll catch up with them later
A friend rolls their eyes at you until you agree to call a classmate a mean name. This is an example of these types of peer pressure.
What is negative peer pressure, direct peer pressure, and unspoken peer pressure?
True or False: Positive peer pressure can only happen with friends, not with classmates or teammates
False. Positive peer pressure can come from anyone, including classmates, teammates, or family.
Your friends want you to join in on teasing someone, but you know it’s wrong. What’s one way you could respond to show kindness?
"I’d rather be nice to them. Let’s do something else instead"
A friend encourages you to cheat on a test, saying it’s an easy way to pass. What would you do to show you’re sticking to your values?
Move to a different part of the room or put away your materials so there’s no chance of sharing answers
Your classmates all start cheering during a soccer game, and you feel pressured to join in, even though no one tells you to cheer. This is an example of these types of peer pressure.
What is unspoken peer pressure? What is indirect peer pressure?
True or False: You can experience peer pressure even if you’re alone.
True. You might feel indirect or unspoken peer pressure just by thinking about what others might want or expect, even if they’re not with you.
A classmate keeps pushing you to try a new computer game they installed on their Chromebook that you’re not interested in. What’s a respectful but firm way to let them know you won’t change your mind?
I appreciate that you want me to try, but I’ve already decided I’m not going to
At recess, some people are trying something you know is against the rules, and they look over to invite you. What would you do to make your own choice clear without putting them down?
Walk away from the group and join another activity or play with different friends.
Name and define all 6 types of peer pressure.
Positive = Encourages good choices.
Negative = Encourages bad or risky choices.
Direct = Clear, intentional influence toward a specific action.
Indirect = Influence by seeing others’ behaviors.
Spoken = Influence through words only.
Unspoken = Influence through nonverbal cues (like actions or body language).
True or False: You can be affected by peer pressure even if you disagree with what’s being encouraged.
True. Even if you disagree, you may still feel pressured to fit in or conform.
You’re with a group of friends, and one of them suggests something that doesn’t feel right to you. What could you say to express your feelings and suggest a better alternative?
I don’t feel good about doing that. How about we try something else instead?
Your teammates start making fun of a new player, and they try to pull you into the teasing. What would you do to respond in a way that shows kindness and respect?
Stand next to the new player, offer a high-five or some encouragement, and start a positive conversation to include them.