1. Elizabeth Guillot April 10th,2012 3rd block
Peer Pressure
Elizabeth Guillot
April 10th,2012
3rd block

2. Facts about Peer Pressure
Some kids are under peer pressure because they try to fit in with other people.
 Peer pressure is on to engage in behaviors that may not be healthy, physically or emotionally, for your teenager. While some teens choose some behaviors when they are ready, many feel rushed into decisions that they are not quite ready to make. Peer pressure occurs when a group of teens exert influence to manipulate each other into going along with the group's beliefs or behavior. Positive peer pressure can be found when athletes help each other with schoolwork or convince each other to stay away from drugs so that nobody gets kicked off the team. It’s not uncommon to want to be part of a group and feel like you belong in a community. But sometimes this desire can affect your decisions and take the form of peer pressure. Peer pressure means being influenced by a community to do something you usually wouldn’t do, or not doing something you would like to do. Your actions might be influenced because you want to be accepted by your peers. A peer can be anyone you respect, or someone who you think is an equal in age or ability. A peer could be a friend, someone in your community or even someone on TV who you see and question if you should be more like them. You might try to live up to either the individual’s or group’s expectations, or follow a particular fashion or trend. Almost everyone is affected by peer pressure at some point.

3. Statistics of Peer Pressure
Marijuana use for adolescents has risen 275% from 1992 to 1997 according to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.
According to Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base, the percentage of teens that have used some form of cocaine is 9.5%. .
Approximately 30.2% of young adults are given, offered, or sold drugs in high school and middle school. Twenty-five percent of 17 and 18 year-olds smoke regularly.
American Lung Association reports 3.1 million teenagers smoke
Statistics on peer pressure for sex reveals approximately 50% of year olds feel pressured in sex and relationships, according to The Kaiser Foundation. Peer pressure occurs when a friend confronts another friend and tries to convince him or her to take part in illegal activities, substances, or sex. Adolescence is a time of growth and change. Your teenager is trying to create his or her own identity independent from you. This is why most parents report that there is increased rebellious behavior from their child. In school, your teen is able to hang out with kids whom they believe they would like to be like. They can sometimes be desperate to fit into certain groups and will do just about anything to feel wanted by these friends.

4. Ways to avoid Peer Pressure
If someone offers you something don’t accept it say no and walk away from the crowd. There is ways to get out of Peer Pressure just walk away from what ever they offer you. Don’t ever take anything from a stranger because chances are there trying to kill you or get you caught doing it. Because you said no they offer you anything just walk away and learn to say NO!!!
Build Self-esteem:
The first and most important thing you need to avoid peer pressure is to build self-esteem or self confidence. Confidence in one’s own skills or abilities can naturally put off peer pressure, because fear or embarrassment or shame is one of the main reasons why people fall into it.
Know your Strengths:
Know and respect your strength and personal limits. Stand at your words. If you know that it is wrong, you should be firm about your decision. Having a clear idea about your abilities and what your goals are can help you escape from undesirable propositions.
Surround Yourself with Friends Who Share Similar Values:
It would be better if you can find friends with whom you share the same values; this will help you decrease the level of peer pressure you can experience. Moreover, try to avoid situations and people which can entice you to part take or involve in things you wouldn’t want to do.
Consider all the Negative and Positive Consequences:
Don’t forget to remind yourself all the possible negative and positive consequences which can come from falling into peer pressure. Most of the consequences may be scenario-specific, however falling into peer-pressure can even result in trouble with authority figures, strained relationships and loss of self respect.
Practice Standing Your Ground:
Before you do anything, think or visualize situations which could lead you to a trouble or an issue and formulate determined response or answers. Use humor, challenges, confidence and flattery, and try to divert the topic and find ways to escape from any undesirable situations.

5. Dealing with Peer Pressure
It is tough to be the only one who says "no" to peer pressure, but you can do it. Paying attention to your own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong can help you know the right thing to do. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm, walk away, and resist doing something when you know better. It can really help to have at least one other peer, or friend, who is willing to say "no," too. This takes a lot of the power out of peer pressure and makes it much easier to resist. It's great to have friends with values similar to yours who will back you up when you don't want to do something.
You've probably had a parent or teacher advise you to "choose your friends wisely." Peer pressure is a big reason why they say this. If you choose friends who don't use drugs, cut class, smoke cigarettes, or lie to their parents, then you probably won't do these things either, even if other kids do. Try to help a friend who's having trouble resisting peer pressure. It can be powerful for one kid to join another by simply saying, "I'm with you — let's go."

6. Resources en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_pressure
kidshealth.org › Kids › Dealing With Feelings