User:Keorapetsetonic/sandbox

PEER PRESSURE

Everyone talks about peer pressure on teens, but just how bad is it? Parents may lay awake at night being bothered about what other kids will make their children to do. Teens hardly force each other into trying dangerous things. Instead, friends play a more indirect role in another child’s decisions. Teens are more likely to spend time with other teens who do similar things. For example, kids are six times more likely to have had a drink if their friends often drink alcohol.

Teen pressure often comes from within, teens often feel internal pressure to do the things that they think their peers are doing. However, you can have a more powerful positive impact on your teen than you may think. Parents can help by realizing when their child is having a challenge with peer pressure. Parents can use the following tips to help their child deal with peer pressure:

•	Encourage open and free communication. Let kids know they can come to you if they're feeling pressure to do things that appear improper or dangerous. •	Teach your child to be confident and to oppose getting involved in dangerous or wrong situations or activities. •	 Know your child's friends. If problems or issues arise, share your worries with their parents. •	Help your child develop self-assurance. Kids who feel good about themselves are less vulnerable to peer pressure. •	Develop backup tactics to help kids get out of uneasy or dangerous situations.