Let’s Define it  Peer pressure is the influence or pressure from a person or a group of people who are similar in age to behave in a certain way  Peer pressure can either be positive or negative

Positive Peer Pressure  This type of peer pressure Encourages one to do something that is constructive that results in a good outcome Helps to build self-confidence in the one being pressured Prevents one from doing something that would result in a harmful or destructive outcome

Examples of Positive Peer Pressure  Encouraging a friend to participate in a school sport or activity that he or she has never done and is nervous about  Pressuring a friend to stop treating others with disrespect  Influencing a friend to make good choices such as refusing to drink, smoke, or do drugs

Negative Peer Pressure  This type of peer pressure Involves pressuring someone to do something that is destructive or bad for them Usually includes doing something that your “gut” tells you not to do Results in making the person who is being pressured feel bad about the choice they made and, as a result, bad about themselves

Examples of Negative Peer Pressure  Telling a friend that you won’t be friends with them because they are friends with someone who you do not like  Pressuring someone to skip school  Pressuring a friend to drink, smoke, or do drugs

Tips for handling negative peer pressure  Be confident in yourself and know that it is okay to say “No”  Consider the consequences or the outcome of what someone is pressuring you to do  Listen to what you gut is telling you  Hang out with people who are similar to you who have the same values as you do  Make decisions based upon what is best for you regardless of what others are telling you to do  Enlist the help of an adult if you are in a situation involving peer pressure that you are unsure about

Any Questions?