6 Ways to Teach Kids How to Deal with Peer Pressure

Verywell Mind’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. “When I was being supported by Extern I always felt like I could open up in confidence and express how I was feeling without fear of being judged.” Having hope reduces feelings of helplessness, increases happiness, reduces stress, and improves our quality of life.

A thermometer just shows the temperature of surroundings, but a thermostat makes the surroundings take the temperature that it has decided. If you confidently decide to become the thermostat, many would be happy to derive the courage to say ‘No’ from you. Encourage your child to seek out positive relationships and to choose friends who respect them and do not put unfair pressure on them. Peer pressure is internal or external pressure felt to behave in certain ways, both good and bad. Peer pressure begins as early as age 10 with the forming of social groups in elementary school and increases during adolescence, throughout junior high and high school. Learn more about the types and effects of peer pressure and how you can prepare your child to deal with it in a healthy way. Though peer pressure is not usually used to describe socially desirable behaviors, such as exercising or studying, peer pressure can have positive effects in some cases.

Rehab Programs

Sometimes the right answer won’t always be clear and it’s up to us to learn how to make the right choices. The Teen Recovery Program addresses both mental health and substance abuse issues in an intensive outpatient level of care setting specifically designed for teens. Children’s Health offers one of the most comprehensive specialty programs available for children and teens who need psychiatry and psychological services. We’re recognized experts on treating eating disorders, depression and other mood disorders. There are several different types of peer pressure that kids and adolescents may experience. Types of peer pressure include spoken and unspoken, direct and indirect, and negative and positive.

Your teen might not have a problem with saying “No”, but you might find that they need help with being assertive. If teens know how to speak clearly, assertively, and firmly, they might find their peers responding appropriately to their “No’s”.

Ask Questions and Consider Consequences

If something feels “off,” don’t hesitate to make other plans. If you start to feel uncomfortable during a party, don’t be afraid to leave. Don’t get sidetracked by talking others out of the idea.

Develop backup plans to help kids get out of uncomfortable or dangerous situations. For example, let them know you’ll always come get them, no questions asked, if they feel worried or unsafe. Let kids know they can come to you if they’re feeling pressure to do things that seem wrong or risky. Learn how to say “no,” and practice how to avoid or get out of situations which feel unsafe or uncomfortable. how to deal with peer pressure They can help each other develop new skills, or stimulate interest in books, music or extracurricular activities. If you’ve outgrown certain relationships, let them go and try to surround yourself with people who appreciate your ideas, lifestyle and choices without judging them. Develop relationships with people who are old, young, rich, poor, religious and non-religious.

Stay up to date

Establish a plan and a backup plan with your child for situations of negative peer pressure. Let them know there is nothing wrong with making an excuse if they are unsure what to do and help them brainstorm creative ways to exit an uncomfortable situation. In turn, your friend might reconsider criticizing people based on their appearance. By simply adhering to your own values and sharing them with a friend, you can positively peer pressure them to think before making a negative comment.

• We’ll share news, promos and events that you’re most likely to be interested in with you.
• For example, you might see what kids in your class are wearing, like it, and wear something like that, too.
• It’s important to remember that even standing by and watching someone else being bullied without stepping in to help is a problem.
• For all questions please contact the AACAP Communications Manager, ext. 154.
• As the name suggests, spoken peer pressure is when someone verbally influences another person to do something.

They can also help support you in handling peer pressure in the future. It’s okay to admit you’re struggling, and they will most likely want to help you. Another way to avoid peer pressure is to spend your time doing activities that you really enjoy. Doing activities can help you meet other people with shared interests and help you spend your time doing what you enjoy.Try different activities until you find one you like.

Teach Teens to Stay Away

According to Hill, “It’s important to help your teen identify what their goals are. Then ask them if the current behavior of their peers will help or hurt their chances of making those goals happen. Show them the connection between their current behavior and their long-term goals. Negative peer pressure makes a person feel like they aren’t going to fit in unless they participate in activities that are likely to hurt them in some way.

• Talk out any peer pressure you’re experiencing with other friends who are also feeling the squeeze.
• This article received 15 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
• Maybe you drink to excess on the weekends even though you don’t enjoy it, because that’s what your friends do.
• In addition, the prefrontal cortex – a critical component of decision-making – is still developing from ages 12 to around 17.
• Below find tips on how to deal with peer pressure and avoid making tough decisions that may trigger adverse outcomes.