Teen Health, Course 1

Directions

Many factors affect your health—the food you eat, your family and culture, even the shows you watch on TV. Some of the most powerful influences come from peers. Peers are people your own age. If their beliefs and opinions are important to you, they can affect how you think and feel. This influence is referred to as “peer pressure,” and it can be both positive and negative. On the Web site below, you will learn more about peer pressure and what you can do about the negative kind.

Link to explore: Dealing with Peer Pressure Web site:  http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/friend/peer_pressure.html

Directions

• Explore the Dealing with Peer Pressure Web site.
• Read about peer pressure, taking notes as you go.
• When you are done, answer the questions below.
• Finally, imagine that you volunteer at a teen hotline. Come up with a set of 10 questions teens might ask about peer pressure. Try to create answers that will help teens make smart choices and feel good about themselves.

Questions

1			What are some positive ways peers can influence your life?
2			What are some negative ways peers can influence your life?
3			Why do people give in to peer pressure?
4			Talk about ways you can say “no” and walk away from peer pressure.
5			What should you do if negative peer pressure continues?