Peer Pressure Basics
What is Peer Pressure?
Being influenced by peers to act or behave a certain way.
What is something that people often become pressured into doing?
Stealing, lying, bullying, etc.
What is spoken peer pressure?
Ex: Let's go steal something.
Come on I know you want to go to the party with us
Several students are saying unkind things about another student. They start urging you to join in their comments.
Negative.
Give an example of peer pressure.
Ex: Stealing from a store to "fit in" with your peer group.
Ex: Drinking Alcohol or Doing Drugs
Why is peer pressure hard to resist?
You want to fit in with peers or don't want to be made fun of for being different.
What is unspoken peer pressure?
Things that you are exposed to and choose to follow
Ex: Picking fashion choices based on those around you
Joining groups (teams, cliques, clubs)
Your best friend wants you to go somewhere that could be interesting, but dangerous (e.g., to a flooded creek to watch the water).
Negative.
What can happen to you if you give in to negative peer pressure?
Give an example
What should you do if your friends did something that you don't agree with?
Stand up for your beliefs and be honest.
What is positive peer pressure?
Things that are done in your best interest.
Ex: Getting good grade, getting a job, improving behavior
A group of friends all get jobs after school, and they convince you to get a job too because it's fun to have spending money.
Positive!
Give an example of how positive peer pressure can affect you.
Give an example
What is an outcome of positive peer pressure?
Give an example.
What is negative peer pressure?
Things done that is not in your best interest.
Ex: Smoking, drinking, stealing, skipping school
You’re at the store, wishing you had enough money for some candy. Your friend says, “Just take it! It’s no big deal. The clerk’s not even looking.”
Negative.
What does it mean to be independent?
To have your own set of values and beliefs and not be subject to control by others.
How can you say "no" to peer pressure?
Give an example.
What is neutral peer pressure?
Is a naturally occurring peer pressure to go along with the crowd in a way that’s not harmful to others.
Ex. Going with the flow.
What is the difference between positive and negative peer pressure? Give an example of each.
One is in your best interest.
One is not in your best interest.