All of us feel pressure to conform to the norms of our peer group. The pressures assault us in mass media messages and expensive, well-done advertising. They come at us through friends, social acquaintances and work associates. We even feel the pressure to be like others in our faith communities. The pressures cause us to want to act, talk, dress and appear like others we consider important and trend setting.
Adolescents, however, are at an age when they are particularly susceptible to the influence of their peers. Often these pressures assert themselves in negative realms: challenging authority, taking part in at-risk behaviors, distancing from established beliefs and practices, especially religious values.
Peer pressure can also be positive. Friends are the most important influence in avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and in choosing positive values over negative ones. High school students challenge others to excel in schoolwork. Youth group members provide the strength for others to accept and value the spiritual life.
Seven strategies in Peer Pressure Challenges
- Accept peer pressure as normal. It happens to all of us. It certainly is a factor in the growth of your youth.
- Identify positive and negative pressures. Talk to your youth about the pressures they feel. Help them distinguish between good and bad influences. Discuss consequences.
- Build self-confidence. Bad self-image continues to be the number one reason teens give in to pressure. Be a constant encourager. (See: self-esteem.)
- Demonstrate how to say no. Identify and demonstrate ways to respond appropriately and immediately to negative peer pressure.
- Avoid negative circumstances. Discuss the situations and places where your youth feel most vulnerable to negative pressures. Talk about how to avoid those situations.
- Applaud positive pressure. Draw attention to instance where one teen or group of teens positively influenced others. Appreciate these efforts loudly and frequently.
From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.
