Peer pressure is the influence that a peer group places on someone to change their behavior, values, or beliefs in order to conform to group norms. Think about a time that you gave into peer pressure and how it made you feel. Were you nervous? Disappointed in you? Did you feel guilty? There are a lot of reasons why someone might give into peer pressure:
- They don’t want their friend to be mad at them
- They want to fit in and be liked
- They want to seem more grown up
- They don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings
- They don’t know how to get out of a situation
If you’re in a situation where you face
direct or indirect peer pressure, what are some things you can do to
diffuse the situation?
- Suggest an alternative
- Stand up tall and confidently say no
- Be prepared to resist alcohol
- Stand up for others
- Take a reality check - most teens DON’T drink alcohol
- Remember the consequences
- Walk away from the situation
Most of all, remember that most people will
respect any decision that you make.