How can we create a culture of positive peer pressure. We hear a lot about negative peer pressure, but what would it take to flip that perspective and we heard more about positive peer pressure. How can we change this and what can we do in our school to create a culture of positive peer pressure and relationships?
Answers
Answer:
Peer pressure might encourage teens to become more active in athletics or to avoid risky behaviors. Or it could lead them to try alcohol or drugs, skip school or engage in other negative behaviors.
These peers also influence you by the way they dress and act, things they're involved in, and the attitudes they show. It's natural for people to identify with and compare themselves to their peers as they consider how they wish to be (or think they should be), or what they want to achieve.
What strategies can help handle negative peer pressure?
Pay attention to how you feel. If something doesn’t feel right about a situation, it probably isn’t. Even if your friends seem ok with what is going on, the situation may not be right for you.
Plan ahead. Think about how you will respond in different situations. Plan what you can say or what you can do.
Talk to the person who is pressuring, let him or her know how it makes you feel and tell the person stop.
Have a secret code to communicate with parents. Something you can say or text to your parent(s) that lets them know you need out of a situation. Parents can either call or text to say that you need to come home, or that they need to pick you up.
Give an excuse. It should be ok to say “no” without needing to apologize or give an explanation. But it may make it easier to say no if you have a ready reason. Perhaps saying you have a medical reason such as asthma or allergies that makes it dangerous for you to take anything. Or even stating that your parents need you to come home, if you feel it would be best to leave the situation all together.
Have friends with similar values and beliefs. It is easier to say “no” if someone else is also saying it. Saying “no” together makes it easier for the both of you.
Get support from a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, or school counselor. A trusted adult can listen to you and help you with strategies that might work in your situation.