Peer Pressure Basics
Describe/define who is considered your peer.
Someone in your own age group
What percentage of teens say they feel pressure to look good or fit in?
A. 53%
B. 47%
C. 41%
D. 67%
What is spoken peer pressure?
People asking, suggesting, or persuading you to do something.
Ex: Let's go steal something.
Come on I know you want to go to the party with us
Using humor to lighten the serious mood and divert attention away from you and onto something else
Make a joke
Several students are saying unkind things about another student. They start urging you to join in their comments.
Negative.
What is Peer Pressure?
The feeling that someone your own age is pushing you toward making a certain choice, good or bad
Research consistently shows that peer influence & peer pressure significantly increases the likelihood of substance use.
True
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)
Backing up your refusal with evidence gives it more power.
Give a reason why it’s a bad idea
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.
Give an example of how peer pressure can be positive
Peers who are committed to doing well in school can influence others to be more goal oriented.
Peers asking you to do better for yourself.
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 direct peer pressure?
Clear requests or demands. This is on-the-spot decisions.
Ex: Someone handing you a cup of alcohol
Saying you have something else to do that will interfere or you have to be somewhere at a specific time
Make an excuse why you can’t
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 negative peer pressure can affect you.
Ex: You can get into trouble or put yourself and others at risk.
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 indirect peer pressure?
Subtle hints or suggestions. Influence that is low key. Something you learn or overhear
Ex: You hear someone gossiping about something and act in order to gain acceptance
If you don’t like where things are headed, you can leave the situation
Leave the situation
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.
Related to decision making and refusing peer pressure, 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 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
Thinking of and suggesting something better or different to do.
Suggest an alternative activity
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.