How to Handle Peer Pressure for Kids

Peer pressure can play on certain strengths or challenges that an adolescent already faces. If your teens don’t have quite enough confidence to walk away on their own, encourage them to look for a like-minded peer or friend who feels the same way they do in a particular situation. how to deal with peer pressure It’s essential to understand most peer pressure isn’t like it looks in movies or TV shows. These shows suggest peers telling innocent teens, “Do this if you want to be one of us,” or “If you don’t do this, you’re a loser.” In the real world, peer pressure may be much more subtle.

• Peer pressure influences are notorious for triggering the dangerous use of alcohol and drugs.
• So, no matter how much you try to avoid it, peer pressure is going to happen.
• Peers can be your friends who are about your age and have similar interests and experiences.
• Having the ability to say no and mean it might even be lifesaving.
• Negative peer pressure, on the other hand, involves pressure to do something dangerous or damaging to themselves or others.

If you are still in school, audition for a play, try out for sports team, or join a club. Pick something that your current group of friends isn’t involved in. Your journal should be a safe place to write out your thoughts and feelings. Maybe you notice that a friend is having trouble saying no to peer pressure. Trust your own feelings about what’s right and wrong.

Your Life Counts

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Knowing the facts about drugs, cigarettes and alcohol will help children make informed decisions when faced with the temptation to try them. Don’t wait for your kids to discover the risks on their own, present them with facts and discuss the hazards of these substances. Remember parents’ expectations do influence children’s behavior. Facing peer pressure is a good time for teens to learn how to have firm boundaries. However, they will tend to learn firm boundaries from their parents. Be sure to communicate to your teen exactly what you expect of your teen when faced with pressure to engage in risky activities.

How Peer Pressure Affects Teen Development

Ask for advice or support from a parent or other trusted family member, a clergy person, a mentor, or a counselor if you need it. Stand up for others when you see them being pressured. “Bystander intervention” can be an effective way to support others and send a message. Give yourself permission to avoid people or situations that don’t feel right and leave a situation that becomes uncomfortable. In other words, peer pressure influences you to try and fit in. You need to remember that these influences are powerful and are often subconscious.

You can find a therapist by contacting a local mental health clinic or your insurance provider. You can also get a recommendation from your physician or a friend.A therapist can help you learn to express your feelings better and build your confidence. Adults are not immune from peer pressure and many have made poor life choices as a result, some with lasting consequences. Taking steps now to help your kids deal with negative peer issues may prevent risky and improper behavior in the future. Remember, as a parent you have more influence than you think!

ways to help your child deal with peer pressure

Positive Peer PressureWhen you use it properly, this can give others motivation to change. Most of the time, habits you pick up from people won’t linger long. We’ll share news, promos and events that you’re most likely to be interested in with you.

She specializes in medical psychology, weaving together behavioral health programs informed by empowerment theory and trauma treatment. Dr. Rios uses integrated, evidence-based models to provide support and therapy for people with life-altering medical conditions. She holds an MS and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Rios is a licensed psychologist in the state of Florida. If you feel pressured by people to do things you’re uncomfortable doing, there are lots of ways to respond.

Psychology of Peer Pressure

” That corny joke actually holds some serious wisdom. If your teens face pressure from peers pushing them to do things they know are wrong, teach them to stay away from stressful situations in the first place. If they know that a group of teens tend to look for trouble, avoid hanging out with them. If they know a corner can be dangerous, walk around the block in the other direction. Role playing is the most obvious way to practice saying no. Set aside a time where you present your teen with a variety of potential situations. For example, they get to the party and there are no parents present or they are offered a ride with someone that has been drinking.