How to Handle Peer Pressure

• Transcript

  Last Updated: November 3, 2023

  SUPE: Hey guys, it’s me again, SUPE, the gentle dragon. Today, we’ll explore a subject that’s a make-or-break choice for many teens and can drastically change their future. I’m talking about peer pressure. Let’s not wait, here’s Bob and Michael!

  Bob: Hey Michael! Hello everyone. Today we will address an interesting subject called “Peer Pressure”. I wanted to address this subject cause it’s one of the main reasons teens start using drugs or alcohol. Now, what is peer pressure? So I looked in the dictionary, Wikipedia, and some other authority websites and the one I liked the best was from the Merriam Webster dictionary: “a feeling that one must do the same things as other people of one’s age and social group in order to be liked or respected by them.”

  Michael: I really hate being put in these situations.

  Bob: I understand completely Michael. Peer pressure can be demonstrated in different ways like having to go through an initiation, shoplifting, skipping school, bullying someone, and I could keep going. Our main focus today is about drugs and alcohol, but honestly, what we’ll go over can apply to all types of peer pressure.

  Michael: Great! Cause I never know what to do.

  Bob: I completely understand, and you’re not the only one. Now, let’s first define who your peers are. Your friends — your peers — are people your age or close to it who have experiences and interests similar to yours. You and your friends make dozens of decisions every day, and you influence each other’s choices and behaviors. Now, let’s go over some scenarios regarding peer pressure. Your friend’s telling you you’re too chicken to take 5 shots of alcohol in 2 minutes. If you do it , you’re part of the team. Or, you need to take these pills cause the people around you all take them to study. It could be outside school. Here’s an example. Someone at a party telling you that to be a man, you need to be able to drink. Or you’re going to see a band and your friend does ecstasy and tells you you’re boring if you don’t. I could go on forever with these examples. I’m sure some come to mind from your own experiences, even if drugs weren’t involved.

  Michael: It’s happened to me several times. It was really tough.

  Bob: Exactly Michael. Remember, the consequences to giving in to peer pressure can be destructive, but pressuring others also has consequences. Just imagine if you pressure someone to take some drugs and the guy overdoses or has a bad reaction to it and harms himself. There can be legal consequences, or you could be kicked out of school. But on top of any of those consequences, you’ll have to live with it. Alright, now we’re getting into the “Tips and Tricks”. I want you to go over a few ways that you can avoid this negative pressure from friends. First, listen to your gut. If you feel uncomfortable, even if your friends seem to be okay with what’s going on, realize that something about the situation is wrong for you. Trust yourself. It’s a sign that you know who you are and what you want or don’t want. Second, plan your answer ahead of time. If you go to a party and you know there’ll be alcohol or drugs, plan your answer so you won’t be surprised. Third, learn to feel comfortable saying “no.” With good friends, you should never have to explain yourself or apologize. Fourth, hang out with people who feel the same way you do. If you go to a party with them and you feel cornered, they’ll have your back. By the way, this what real friends are. Fifth, blame your parents: “Are you kidding? If my mom found out, she’d kill me, and her spies are everywhere.” I’m sure your mom won’t blame you for this lie. [laughs] Sixth, if a situation seems dangerous for you, don’t hesitate to leave. The last one is an important one and a hard one. If you see someone or a group of people dragging others into dangerous situations that could put their health or even their life in danger, please don’t hesitate to seek help from an adult. It might be unpopular, but it’s the right thing to do.

  Michael: Wow! That gave me a lot of ideas the next time I’m in a situation like this.

  Bob: That’s good. I’m glad it helped. Remember, peer pressure is not all bad, there’s positive peer pressure like pushing each other to get good grades. Or who will make more baskets. There’s a lot of positive “pressure” that’s constructive and pushes you to better perform. Alright everyone, I hope that clarified a few things, and that our tips gave you a few ideas on how to deal with peer pressure. Remember, you are in charge of making your decisions. See you next time and live a drug-free life!

  SUPE: Hey guys, I’m back! I hope you learned some stuff about peer pressure. I know I did. [laughs] Remember, we gave you the tools, but they’re only as good as how you use them. I’m thrilled that you took some time to watch our video. Live a drug-free life!

  Sources: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peer%20pressure
  https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/peer-pressure.html
  https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-concerns/everyday-issues/things-to-try-peer-pressure/encourage-positive-peer-pressure#:~:text=Positive%20peer%20pressure%20is%20when,others%20to%20be%20the%20same

Test Your Knowledge on Peer Pressure

• | What is peer pressure?
    Get Answer Here: 0:44  
• | Who are your peers? 
    Get Answer Here: 1:33  
• | Give 3 examples of peer pressure. 
    Get Answer Here: 1:48  
• | Name some of the consequences of pressuring a peer.  
    Get Answer Here: 2:36  
• | Name a few tips to avoid peer pressure. 
    Get Answer Here: 3:01  
• | What are the two things you should do if you feel there is a danger for you or someone else? 
    Get Answer Here: 4:02  
• | Name a few positive types of peer pressure. 
    Get Answer Here: 4:32  

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