Ways to resist peer pressure

The following tips can help you feel more confident standing up to peer pressure:

• Resist making snap decisions. Ask your friends for more information so you can make an informed choice.
• Formulate a plan or an excuse to exit the situation.
• Suggest an alternative idea if you’re uncomfortable with what your friends are suggesting.
• Be empowered to say “no” to any situation you’re not comfortable with.
• Instead of following the crowd, follow your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t get caught up in the moment.
• Reevaluate your circle of friends. Surround yourself with peers who are positive and uplifting.
• Stay away from situations where bad choices are common.
• Get involved in positive activities such as teams, clubs, physical exercise or artistic pursuits.
• Stay true to your core values and beliefs.
• Determine your future goals and aspirations, and chart a positive path toward reaching them.
• Develop healthy self-esteem. Learn to feel good about being you. You don’t have to be like your friends to feel confident and secure.
• Find a trusted adult, whether a school counselor, teacher or mental health professional to discuss your concerns.

References

• https://www.aacap.org/aacap/families_and_youth/facts_for_families/fff-guide/peer-pressure-104.aspx
• https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/peer-pressure

Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility

Interactive site that offers information and resources to help promote alcohol awareness and teen responsibility.

Youth.gov

Offers a variety of topics centered around youth development and challenges.

• Drugs & alcohol
• Gangs & violence
• Important phone numbers & textline
• If you witness peer pressure