Think about a time when a friend or peer has tried to talk you into doing something. Come on! We won’t get in trouble.

Peer Pressure Peer pressure is when someone about your age tries to influence you to do something.

Choose between: McDonalds or Burger King Basketball or football Broccoli or spinach Good grades or good at sports Smart or popular

Did you look around to see what others were choosing?

Is peer pressure always negative? – spots/115-Peer-Pressure spots/115-Peer-Pressure What are some examples of other things that people have tried to get you to do? Are friends and peers the only ones that try to pressure us?

Media Pressure

Will you let someone pull your strings???

Coping with Peer Pressure

Definition Peer pressure is when someone about your age tries to influence you to do something. Remember peer pressure can be positive. The media is another source of pressure and influence.

Spoken Peer Pressure When peers try to talk one another into doing something negative, they may use a variety of techniques and methods. – The Broken Record – The Yeah, But-ter – The Chicken Caller – The Pity Party – The Humiliator – The Smooth Talker

The Broken Record The person repeats the same thing over and over trying to wear down your resistance. The challenge is to outlast the person, stating your refusal just as persistently.

Scenario “Let’s put this toilet paper in the toilet and overflow it at school.” Keep repeating “Come on, it’ll be funny.” ANSWER: Be a broken record yourself and keep sending your “no” message.

The Yeah, But-ter This person likes to debate. He/she starts by challenging you with the question “Why not?” and when you state your reason, tries to talk you out of it. Instead of endlessly arguing with such a person, just continue to say “no” without giving any reasons why you are refusing.

Scenario Try to convince a friend at the bus stop to skip school with you for the day. Ask them, “Why not?” Say, “Yeah, but it will be fun”. ANSWER: Just keep saying no.

The Chicken Caller This person tries to trick you into proving that you’re not afraid by calling you a “chicken”. Don’t fall for it! There’s nothing wrong with being reluctant to do something that’s bad for you. Say, “So?” or use humor. Besides, a real “chicken” is a person who is afraid to do the right thing.

Scenario You found the science test before the big test day and are trying to convince your friend to cheat with you. ANSWER: Say, “So?” Or use humor.

The Pity Party A person who tries to make you feel sorry for them often uses bribes or threats related to your relationship or friendship. These people are usually bluffing. Since a real friend does not try to control you, stand up for yourself. Show that you have a mind of your own.

Scenario Your mom had to work last night, and so you had to watch your little sister. You did not get to study for the science test. You’re going to get in trouble if you fail so you’re trying to convince your best friend to let you cheat off his/her paper. Say, “If you were my friend you would.” ANSWER” Say, “If you were my friend, you wouldn’t ask me to something I don’t feel right doing.”

The Smooth Talker This person pretends to take all the responsibility, calming your fears and reassuring you that everything will be all right. Keep in mind that no one can guarantee a good outcome when what you are doing is wrong or dangerous. You have to look out for yourself

Scenario You want to sneak into a rated R movie when you’re supposed to be going to a PG movie. Keep reassuring that you’ve got it all worked out, that no one will find out. Say, “Don’t worry.” ANSWER: Just keep saying, “No, that’s not for me. But thanks for asking.”

The Humiliator This person puts others down in an effort to get his/her way. Like the chicken caller, the humiliator hopes that you’ll go along in order to prove that you’re an okay person. Remember you are okay and you don’t have to prove a thing.

Scenario You stole something from the school store and you’re trying to convince your friend to do it too…just for the thrill. When your friend refuses, put him/her down by saying something like, “You never do anything fun. You’re always so perfect.” ANSWER: “So?” or “Your point is…?”

Unspoken Peer Pressure THE HUDDLE A group stands together talking or laughing, maybe looking at something you can’t see, with their backs out to others. THE “LOOK” Kids who think they’re cool give a look that means: “We’re cool and you’re not.” THE EXAMPLE Popular kids simply buy or wear or do something, and because they set an example, others want to follow.

Question time What are some other comebacks that you can say when you are feeling peer pressured?

Journal Time Write about a time when encountered negative peer pressure. What kind of peer pressure was it? What did you say or do? Would you do the same thing if it happened again?