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Peer Pressure
It’s more than just a phase that people go through. Whether peer pressure leads to pink hair or body piercing, it can be a powerful negative force in the lives of children and adolescents, often resulting in their experimentation with tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
Parents often believe their children don’t value their opinions, but studies suggest parents have tremendous influence over their offspring. No matter the age of their children, parents and caregivers should never feel helpless about countering the negative effects of peer pressure. Here’s what parents and caregivers can do, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
Teach how to refuse offers of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
Making children comfortable with what they can say goes a long way. For instance, shy children and adolescents might be more comfortable saying, “no thanks,” or “I have to go,” while those who are more outgoing might say something like, “forget it!” or “no way!” No matter what approach parents choose, it is important for them to role-play peer-pressure situations with their children.
 Talk about how to avoid undesirable situations or people who break the rules.
Children who choose friends who do not smoke, drink, use drugs, steal or lie to their parents are far less likely to do these things themselves.
Remind that there is strength in numbers.
When young people anticipate stressful peer-pressure situations, it’s helpful to take friends along for support.
Say it’s OK to seek an adult’s advice.
While it would be ideal if children sought the advice of their parents, other trusted adults usually can help them avoid most difficult situations.
Nurture strong self-esteem.
Strong self-esteem helps children and adolescents make decisions and follow them, even if their friends do not think some choices are “cool.” Some ways parents can do this include being generous with praise, teaching children how to perceive themselves in positive ways, and avoiding criticism of children that takes the form of ridicule or shame.
For more tips, visit:
- Preparing Youth for Peer Pressure
Although it may seem an unlikely source, About.com has asked the Department of Health and Human Services for help with a series of articles about peer pressure.
- The Cool Spot
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
of the National Institutes of Health has made special spot on the Web for young teens trying to resist peer pressure.
Local Resources
- F.L.I.P. (Future Leaders in Progress)
386-860-1773
Meetings are held each month and are open to middle and high school girls in this prevention program emphasizing youth leadership, learning, empowerment and fun.
- Growth, Promise & Potential
386-760-1883
Prevention program offers work readiness skills, youth counseling services, job coaching, training and mentoring.
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