PEER GROUP PRESSURE NUGGETS DISCUSSED IN 14&ABOVE CLASS-APRIL

23, 2017
Bible Reading/Texts: Proverbs 1:10-16, 13:20, 7:1-27, 1 Corinthians 15:33 and 2
Corinthians 6:14-18

Peers are people who you socialize with or that are similar to you in age, interests,
or in some other way. Peers can include people you are friends with, go to school
with, work with or meet at an event, etc.

Peer pressure (or social pressure) is direct/indirect influence on people by

peers, or an individual who gets encouraged to follow their peers by changing their
attitudes, values, or behaviours to conform to those of the influencing group or
individual. This type of pressure differs from general social pressure because it
causes an individual to change in response to a feeling of being pressured or
influenced from a peer or peer group. (From Wikipedia).

From Dictionary.com, It is social pressure by members of ones peer group to

take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be
accepted.

PEER PRESSURE CAN BE NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE

NEGATIVE:
Some of the common peer pressures are:

1. Pressure to try drugs, alcohol or cigarettes

2. Pressure to have sex, either by a partner or friends

3. Pressure to engage in risky behaviours online or via social media

4. Stealing or shoplifting

5. Illegal actions such as speeding or driving unlicensed

6. Cheating on tests, copying assignments or letting others copy your work

7. Ditching school for the day to do something else with friends

8. Pressure to dress in a certain way that doesnt feel comfortable

9. Pressure to join secret cult groups, etc.

POSITIVE:

On the other hand, there is positive peer pressure. For example, things like being
encouraged by friends to do well in sport or school. The peer pressure to help you
avoid the negatives above.

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HOW CAN I AVOID/RESIST PEER PRESSURE?

1. Say No like you mean it (Practice standing your ground)

The more certain you are in your refusal; the less people will bug you.

2. Back-up a No with a positive statement.

For example, if youre turning down an offer to smoke, say something like, I like
my brain the way it is, thanks. You may decide the give reasons why you are not
interested.

3. Be repetitive (Dont make excuses say exactly how you feel)

Dont hesitate to state your position over and over again.

4. Get away from the pressure zone.

Leave the scene make your exit. Avoid being caught up in a corner where you
may be forced to comply.

5. Avoid stressful situations in the first place.

If you know theres going to be alcohol or drugs at a party, make other plans. Or, if
youre going out with a guy, avoid being alone with him... anywhere he might
pressure you to get more physical than you want to be.

6. Choose your friends wisely (Birds of a feather flock together)

Find a friend who shares your values and back each other up. If youve decided
that your friends dont have your best interests at heart, search out new friends
who share your values and interests.

7. Evaluate your friendships

If your friends are always bugging you to do something youre not comfortable
with, remember that true friends like you for who you are, not who they want you
to be.

8. Consider the results of giving in (Think of the consequences)

Take a moment to think about the consequences of your actions.

9. Look for positive role models.

Ever notice that the real popular and successful teens at your school are the ones
who werent afraid to say what they like and dont like?

10. Dont buy the line that everyones doing it (Have self-confidence--build
your self-esteem)

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Understanding your own values and beliefs. The truth is, everyones NOT doing it.

11. Seek support (Talk to a trusted adult or seek help from an adult)

Talk out any peer pressure youre experiencing with other friends who are also
feeling the squeeze. I can be reassuring to know that youre not the only one.

12. Find ways to excel.

Challenge yourself to do your best. Focus your attention on following your personal
goals instead of the goals of the group.

QUESTIONS: