Sources of Values: Peer Groups and Pressure

Peer groups shape our values too. Peer groups are your friends or playmates, usually in your age group or class/school. Friends tend to do the same type of things, together or not. Sometimes, you might not want to do some things, such as steal or bully others, but your friends might say it’s okay even when it's not (peer pressure). If you keep listening and doing those things, soon you might start to think it’s okay too.

How do you not agree to peer pressure?

1. Make friends that don’t do wrong things.

2. Believe in yourself and your values. 

3. Not all peer groups are voluntary or easy to leave. Try to surround yourself with positive influences when possible such as the books you read or the music you listen to in your free time. 

4. If you feel pressure, tell a trusted adult, teacher, coach, or police officer if there is no one else. They can advise and support you.

5. Stick to your values and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it likely is.

6. Have a plan for when someone tries to pressure you to do something wrong. Practice what you would say like “I don’t think I can because…”

7. Write your short-term and long-term goals. Remember what you want to achieve and determine that you won’t let pressure lead you away from them. 

Expanding Perspectives

Deny the Pressure: Saying No to Negative Peer Pressure

Small Talk | Peer Pressure | CBC Kids

How To Handle Peer Pressure (Catchy song; requires some adult guidance in the last segment.)

How to Handle Peer Pressure | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu) 

For Teachers - Peer Pressure - Positive and Negative

For Parents of Teenagers - How to handle Peer Pressure as a Teenager | Positive Peer Pressure vs Negative Peer Pressure