Peer Pressure Basics
What is Peer Pressure?
Being influenced by peers to act or behave a certain way.
What is something negative that people often become pressured into doing?
Stealing, lying, bullying, style/clothes, drugs/alcohol, skip class...
What is direct peer pressure?
People verbally asking, suggesting, or persuading you to do something.
Several students are saying unkind things about another student. They start urging you to join in their comments.
Negative.
What are common phrases used when someone is trying to pressure you?
Call you a name (chicken, scared).
"If you were my friend you would..."
"It won't hurt you to try it."
"Everyone does it."
"If you do it, I'll do it."
What should you do if a friend frequently pressures you to do things that you are not comfortable with?
What is indirect peer pressure? Give an example.
Things that you are exposed to and choose to follow without someone asking directly.
Picking fashion choices based on those around you.
Joining groups (teams, cliques, clubs) because a friend joined.
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.
Is there such a thing as positive peer pressure? Give an example.
Yes. Peers who are committed to doing well in school can influence others to be more goal oriented.
Peers asking you to make better choices (don't spread a rumor, etc)
What is a strategy to use (other than saying no) to resist peer pressure?
Make an excuse, suggest a different activity, blame your parents, change the subject, repeat refusal statement, walk away, use humor.
What kind of peer pressure is this? Your friend is mad at another friend. You know if you continue to talk to them, the friend will get mad at you.
Unspoken or indirect pressure.
You are mad at another student. You ask a friend to go tell the other student to meet them you in the bathroom during lunch. Instead, you tell them no and suggest going to the counselor for help resolving the arguement.
Positive!
Give an example of how negative peer pressure can affect you.
You can get into trouble or put yourself and others at risk (legal, death/injury, future consequences). Feeling shame or guilt. Harm family trust.
What does a person gain if they do a good job resisting negative peer pressure?
Influence others in a positive way, develop a good peer group, confidence/self-esteem, respect, academic/future success, trust from family/others = More freedom/privileges.
What kind of peer pressure is this? A friends tells you to steal something from a classmate. They say if you don't they will spread a rumor about you.
Verbal/direct peer pressure.
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.
Why do youth struggle with peer pressure more than any other age?
Underdeveloped prefrontal cortex (responsible for impulse control).
Increased need to "fit in" - Social exclusion is more painful when a teen.
Identity Development: Adolescence is a time of finding oneself, making teens more likely to mimic behavior to fit in or try new things to develop identity.
How does social media add to peer pressure?
Unrealistic self-comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), and fostering a need for social validation through likes and views.
What is negative peer pressure and positive peer pressure?
Things done that is not in your best interest.
Ex: Smoking, drinking, stealing, skipping school
Things that are done in your best interest.
Ex: Getting good grade, getting a job, improving behavior
You have a math test tomorrow. The night before you are online playing a game with a friend who does not have a test. They suggest ending the game so you can study.
Positive peer pressure.