Resisting Peer Pressure - Advice from Teens

Teens Make Suggestions for Resisting Peer Pressure

A recent article in USA Today discusses one of the most challenging tasks teens face today - fitting in. They polled their own teen advisory board for some suggestions on how to resist peer pressure.

• Stay in touch with Adults -"They help you define who you are, commented one teen board member. "You need a great relationship with your parents and other adults you trust" to resist bad peers
• Network Another way to resist peer pressure is to "have friends in a lot of different groups."
• Choose friends who are also Individuals - "Stay an individual," commented a 16 year old teen panelist. "My fiends and I are all our own persons."
• Treat your body like a classic car When thinking about drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol, ask yourself  "Would you put bad gas in your car? Slam on the brakes?"
• Try not to Grow Up Too Fast "Thank about the consequences" of actions such as smoking and drinking and wait to decide "when you get of age."
• Build Self-esteem "Set short-, middle- and long-term goals. Start by getting up on time. These little things add up to success."
• Keep a sense of humor "It is the hottest commodity in high school," commented one teen advisory board member. "Being funny is your most important weapon."

As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician. Please read our full disclaimer.