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Resist Peer Pressure

Sometimes standing out is better then fitting in

Resist Peer Pressure


November 2008

We’ve all been there. You’re sitting in your circle of friends and someone suggests doing something that crosses the lines of your moral boundaries. You want to say no, but you don’t want to look like a loser. And besides, “everyone else is doing it.”

It’s called peer pressure, and it’s a problem everyone faces at one time or another. Though it’s present even in adulthood, teenagers are confronted with it the most.

“Research shows that 87 percent of America’s teens have at least one peer pressure situation every day,” says Sharon Scott, a Texas counselor and author of the best-selling teen book How to Say No and Keep Your Friends. “The most common forms of negative peer pressure include gossiping and cliques, cheating, skipping school, lying to parents about planned activities, speeding, and using alcohol or other drugs.”

Contrary to what you may think, you can resist peer pressure and still keep your “cool” factor. So next time you’re faced with an uncomfortable situation, stand up for what you believe by trying some of these tactics:

1. React Quickly.

“If you take much longer than 30 seconds, you will get talked into the trouble as the peer is convincing you it’s no big deal and you won’t get caught,” Scott explains. “Or, if you debate the peer, you may get into an argument and end up losing the friend.”

2. Say “no” and mean it.

Find your own style of saying “no,” and follow through. Try joking your way out of trouble by saying something like “If I did that, my reputation might improve,” Scott suggests. Or give reasonable excuses, such as having to study, baby-sit, work or run errands for your parents. You can even resist peer pressure by suggesting a better idea – say you’d rather shoot hoops or go to the mall.

3. Be authoritative.

Make eye contact and show them you mean “no.” The more unsure of yourself you are, the more people will pressure you. On the contrary, if you are forceful in your refusal, they’re more likely to leave you alone.

4. Avoid bad situations.

Don’t go to a party if you suspect there will be drugs there. Don’t let yourself be alone with a member of the opposite sex if they might pressure you to get too physical. You get the drift.

5. Put it in perspective.

The activity in question may look thrilling for a few minutes or even a few hours, but if it’s something you’ll regret later or something that could get you into long-term trouble, it’s not worth it.

6. Simply leave.

“If the trouble idea would break the law or be dangerous, it’s imperative to leave the scene,” Scott says.

7. Find new friends.

This may be the hardest one to do. No one wants to lose a friend, but if someone continuously puts you in stressful situations, you have to wonder if the friend is worth keeping. True friends like you for who you are, not for who you could be.

Story by Jessica Mozo


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