What is peer pressure?

Peers that try to INFLUENCE You to do something that you wouldn’t normally do.

Bad & Good Peer Pressure; How it works

Most young people Want to fit in and to feel like they are accepted. Who doesn’t?
Most of us don't like feeling awkward or uncomfortable; especially in front of other people.

PEER PRESSURE is those times that make you feel like conforming- so that you won’t stand out… so that you will fit in... So that your peers wont laugh or make fun of you.

Young people, starting around age 13, are beginning to try to find themselves.  At this age young people start becoming more independent.This is the age where peers naturally play a greater role in your life.

As school and other activities take you away from home, you may spend more time with peers than you do with your parents and siblings. You develop close friendships with some of your peers, and you may feel so connected to them that they are like an extended family.

It's natural for people to identify with and compare themselves to their peers- not that you should…

Young people are influenced by peers because they want to fit in. To fit in and be admired by peers, you need to have what they have and do what they do or you will be looked down upon; and Kids today can be mean.

So the pressure to conform (to do what others are doing) can be powerful and hard to resist.

But it can be done!!!! (With God all things are possible)

Responding to Peer Pressure is part of human nature — but some people are more likely to give in while others are better able to resist and stand their ground.

Everyone ends up in a peer pressure situation at some point. There's no magic to standing up to peer pressure; but it does take courage.

Listen to your gut
 
If you don’t feel uncomfortable, even if your friends seem to be OK with what's going on, it means that something about the situation is most likely wrong. Making good decisions is part of becoming independent and learning more about who you are.

Plan for possible pressure situations

• Think ahead about how you'll handle peer pressure; Decide ahead of time and even rehearse what you'll say and do.
• Learn to feel comfortable saying "no."
• Hang with people who feel the same way you do. 
• Choose friends who will speak up with you when you need their support.
• Listen to that little voice telling you a situation is not right; chances are others hear it too.
• If a situation seems dangerous, don't hesitate to get an adult's help.

It's not always easy to resist negative peer pressure, but when you do, it is easy to feel good about it afterwards. You may even help your other peers who feel the same way. It just takes one person to speak out or take a different action to change a situation. Try to be a leader to your peers rather than a follower.

We can lead others to Christ buy following Jesus and walking in his footsteps.  

Some think it is easier to give in than to stand against the crowd. That is not true! The sooner and faster you stand up for what is right, the easier it is to overcome peer pressure.

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

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