Everyone knows that it is important to continue teaching students to stand up against peer pressure. We have been doing it for generations! It is no secret that school and life are filled with peer pressure.
Do our students know why they need to stand up against peer pressure? When we are teaching students to stand up against peer pressure, do they know how? Can our students say no? Do they know that peer pressure is more than a student asking them to do something wrong?
Peer pressure comes from other students like we are familiar with but it also comes from culture and media. Beyond that we can create positive peer pressure by influencing our students to do good things!
How do we teach students about peer pressure?
As silly as it sounds, we need to give them a working definition of peer pressure. It is imperative that we explain to them that peer pressure comes from more than just a friend. We can be persuaded and influenced by our culture and media.
Give students an opportunity to explore peer pressure. Let them look at culture and media to determine what messages they are receiving. Show them examples of peer pressure and give them an opportunity to decide if it is positive or negative.
Help students explore ways to stand up to peer pressure. What can they do when someone wants them to do something they don’t want to do or they know is wrong? How can they encourage their friends to stand up to peer pressure or say no?
Utilize The Mind Trek Program to teach your students about peer pressure.
Try a lesson from our SEL program for free!