Peer Pressure: Strategies to Help Teens Handle it Effectively

For example, when discussing a peer’s suggestion, ask them, “What do you think might happen if you follow this advice? ” These and similar questions prompt them https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to think beyond the immediate moment and weigh the long-term impact of their choices (Sieck, 2021). Alicia Betz, a 10th-grade English teacher in Pennsylvania, noticed a change in one of her students after his friends encouraged him to begin participating in school sports. Thankfully, research also shows that positive peer pressure can be a good thing for teens, according to a 2011 study at Harvard University. Having self-esteem and confidence can make it easier to say “no” to negative peer pressure because you believe in yourself and your choices. It’s common for teens to talk less to parents and more with friends.

Ways to Help Your Students Deal With Peer Pressure

In answering these questions, students can write short ‘success’ stories about how they would resist such negative peer pressure. When you encounter challenging scenarios or peer pressure situations, be open about it and share how you handle them. This transparency not only showcases real-life problem-solving but also reinforces the idea that it’s okay to seek advice and guidance when needed. It’s also important to highlight your own mistakes and how you’ve learned from them. This teaches resilience and the notion that it’s perfectly normal to make errors along the way. It’s the social pressure to fit in or be accepted by one’s peers, which can sometimes lead students to make choices they might not otherwise make on their own.

For Peers

This could involve teaching them positive self-talk, encouraging them to pursue their interests and passions, and providing them with opportunities for success and achievement. Practice refusal skills and role-play different scenarios with them. Explain to them that it will be difficult at times to resist peer pressure or to go against the group. Nevertheless, they need to be prepared in knowing what to say or what to do.

Warning signs

Your flexibility in these areas will also allow you to take firmer stances in areas that would challenge their safety or morality. Armed with some vital skills, teens can learn to handle and overcome peer pressure. We can give teens the know-how by considering the following strategies and understanding how they can make a difference. Secondary school can be a wonderful in many ways, but there can also be challenges. Nobody wants to have to face bullying, for example, but schools and teachers Sobriety are in your corner to help you through tricky times. Part of the school journey is learning to deal with challenges in positive ways and, as always, Bitesize is here to support you every step of the way.

Teach Decision-Making Skills

Let’s look at some ways teachers can help students learn how to resist peer pressure. On the other hand, bad peer pressure can be damaging and lead to negative outcomes. For example, students may pressure their peers to engage in risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use, skipping school, or cheating on tests.

Resources for parents and carers

• Sometimes, it’s the thoughts a student thinks that might cause them the most stress.
• That’s because, in attempting to fit in with peers, teens want to please.
• Paying close attention to student attitudes, behaviors, peer interactions, and academic performance changes can help you understand whether they may be struggling.
• Join the growing movement to change how our community sees teens.
• Learn what makes a good friend, and how you can be there for your friends when they need you most.

A belief in themselves will help them do what they feel is what is indirect peer pressure right. It’s a combination that lets them resist succumbing to peer pressure and have the strength to walk away. They will know that even if they “fail” among their peers, they will succeed in the long run. Another example of negative peer pressure is when students bully or tease their peers. This can be particularly damaging for children who are already struggling with self-esteem or social anxiety.

• Part of the school journey is learning to deal with challenges in positive ways and, as always, Bitesize is here to support you every step of the way.
• The consequences may include being exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), developing pregnancy, or having images of yourself posted online without consent.
• Throughout life we will have different values than coworkers and friends.
• When teens make a choice that is right for them and stick with it, they learn to express their values.
• This can be particularly damaging for children who are already struggling with self-esteem or social anxiety.

Why Do Some Kids Give in to Peer Pressure?

• After he finally joined the team, I noticed a marked change in his overall well-being.
• We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.
• In some cases, children may need additional support to address peer pressure and related issues.

If they know that a group of teens tend to look for trouble, avoid hanging out with them. If they know a corner can be dangerous, walk around the block in the other direction. As you go through school, it’s important to consider which behaviours match your values, and stand your ground if you feel pressurised to behave differently.

Why Young People Are More Susceptible

Our tweens and teens are listening to us, even if it may not always seem like it. Equipping teens with a variety of communication strategies empowers them to make good decisions when faced with peer pressure. These are skills that not only support their ability to make it through tough situations today but will also serve them far into adulthood. Encouraging children to be honest and open can also help them build trust and develop strong relationships with their parents. During middle and secondary school years, students begin to form their individual identity.