Peer Pressure and Refusal Skills

Peer Pressure and Refusal Skills Mr. Dignan 6th grade health

Which statements about peer pressure are correct? • Peer pressure is the feeling that someone your own age is pushing you toward making a certain choice – good or bad • Pressure is the feeling that you are being pushed toward making a certain choice – good or bad • A peer is someone in your own age group • All of the above

What is Peer Pressure? • Peer pressure: The influence that people your age may have on you. • HOW YOU RESPOND TO PEER PRESSURE WILL AFFECT YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY

Spoken (Direct) peer pressure is… When someone says something directly to you that puts a lot of pressure on you and makes it hard to say no Examples???

Unspoken (Indirect) peer pressure is… When you feel that you are supposed to act or dress a certain way because it seems like everybody else is doing it or because it’s the cool thing to do, even though nobody has said anything about it Examples?

POSITIVE PEER PRESSURE • Positive-Peers can influence you in many positive ways. • Examples?? • Sometimes positive peer pressure involves NOT participating in risky behaviors and/or activities.

NEGATIVE PEER PRESSURE • Sometimes peers may influence others into participating or taking on beliefs with negative consequences

Manipulation • Manipulation: An indirect, dishonest way to control or influence other people.

COMMON METHODS OF MANIPULATION • Making Threats-Promising violence or some other negative consequence if the person does not do what is asked • Blackmail-Threatening to reveal some embarrassing or damaging information if the person does not do what is asked • Mocking or Teasing-Making fun of another person in mean or hurtful ways

RESISTING NEGATIVE PEER PRESSURE • Always think before you act. Ask “What could you do instead?” • Develop friendships with people who share the same values or interests. • Rehearsing refusal skills will make it easier to say no when pressure situations arise

Refusal Skill 3-step process • Step 1: State Your Position. • Step 2: Suggest Alternatives. • Step 3: Stand Your Ground.

Step 1 STATE YOUR POSITION • Be simple and firm. • Combine your words with non verbal messages • Give an honest reason for your response

STEP 2: SUGGEST AN ALTERNATIVE • By offering an alternative, you create a situation where you and your friend can spend time comfortably • The most effective suggestion is when it takes you away from the uncomfortable or even dangerous position

STEP 3: STAND YOUR GROUND • Make it clear that you mean what you say • Use strong body language and maintain eye contact, but DO NOT touch or be physical in any way with the other person • If these methods no not work, remove yourself from the situation

PEER PRESSURE STATEMENTS • No one will ever know • What’s the big deal? It won’t kill you • I do it all the time and have never been caught! • Everyone else is doing it • You’ll look older and more mature • Try it! You’ll really like it • You only live once • Don’t be such a wimp • Don’t be a chicken

What are some good things friends can pressure each other to do? (Positive peer pressure) Be honest Avoid alcohol Avoid drugs Not smoke Be nice Respect others Work hard Exercise (together!)

Resisting peer pressure can be hard for some people. Why? Afraid of being rejected by others Want to be liked and don’t want to lose a friend Don’t want to be made fun of Don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings Aren’t sure of what they really want Don’t know how to get out of the situation

Peer Pressure and Refusal Skills