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What is Peer Pressure? Pressure from one's peers to behave in a manner similar or acceptable to them. Peer pressure is the influence of a social group on an individual. When others try to influence how you act, or try to get you to do something you normally wouldn’t you are experiencing peer pressure.

Noteworthy Statistics “According to Dr. B. J. Casey from the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, teens are very quick and accurate in making judgments and decisions on their own and in situations where they have time to think. However, when they have to make decisions in the heat of the moment or in social situations, their decisions are often influenced by external factors like peers.” Source: Scholastic pressure-its-influence-on-teens-and-decision-making pressure-its-influence-on-teens-and-decision-making

Peer Pressure Continued… You and your friends make dozens of decisions every day, and you influence each other's choices and behaviors. ~What are some decisions you and your friends make everyday? ~How do you influence the behavior of your friends and peers? PEER PRESSURE CAN BE EITHER POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE DEPENDING UPON THE SITUATION.

Who can admit that they’ve personally felt pressured into something?

That’s so fetch… We all have!

Things We Get Pressured Into Decision to have a boyfriend/girlfriend Alcohol and Drug Use To choice to remain abstinent Academics What we wear

What is good peer pressure? Good peer pressure is being pushed into something that you didn't have the courage to do or just didn't cross your mind to do. Good peer pressure can also be a situation when your friends convince you not to do something you were going to do because it wasn't in your best interest. Good peer pressure is when you get pushed into something that you didn't want to do and it turned out well.

Benefits of Good Peer Influence A teen might join a volunteer project because all of his or her friends are doing it, or get good grades because the social group he or she belongs to thinks getting good grades is important. In fact, friends often encourage each other to study, try out for sports, or follow new artistic interests.

Benefits continued… Observing others working hard to achieve their goals will definitely encourage you to step up your game and strive towards something positive. When a teen knows that his teammates are practicing hard to become better basketball players then it will directly affect his own performance. He will put in twice the time and energy to raise the level of his game and ensure he has a place on the team.

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What is bad peer pressure? Bad peer pressure is being talked into doing something that you didn't want to do because your friends said that you should. Bad peer pressure is usually the result of wanting to be accepted by your peers. People who are low on confidence and those who tend to follow rather than lead could be more likely to seek their peers' approval by giving in to a risky challenge or suggestion

How can bad peer pressure affect you? Bad peer pressure usually leads to doing something bad such as drinking alcohol, using drugs, or smoking. It can lead to trouble with the law, with your parents and it can affect your health.

How can you respond to negative peer pressure? The key to dealing with negative peer pressure is self-confidence. Be yourself, make your own decisions, regardless of what others think. Listen to your gut Learn to feel comfortable saying "no." Hang with people who feel the same way you do. If a situation seems dangerous, don't hesitate to get an adult's help.

You control… YOU! Stop and think. –Ask yourself some questions. –Could this be trouble? Will it break the law? Will it break the school or home rules? –Will people in authority be angry with me or disappointed? –Will someone be hurt - their body or their feelings? –Will I be safe? –Do I feel good about this? Assess the situation - think about what is happening.

STOP, THINK AND GO!!! Red = Stop! Yellow = Think! Green = GO!!!

Now go out into the world and show them who’s boss!