Walking Away from Peer Pressure
It is sometimes hard to be the only one who says “no” to peer pressure, but you can do it. Paying attention to your own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong can help you decide the right thing to do. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm and be strong enough to walk away, and resist doing something when you know better.
Having at least one other peer or friend who is willing to say no can be very helpful. This takes a lot of the power out of peer pressure and makes it much easier to resist.
It’s great to have friends who think the same as you and who will back you up in the choices you make.
Positive Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be a good thing. For example, positive peer pressure can be used to pressure bullies into acting better toward other young people. If enough young people get together, peers can pressure each other into doing the right thing!
A way to avoid peer pressure is to be assertive. This means being confident, speaking clearly, being sure of your reasons and not changing your mind if you feel it is the right thing to do.