Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure is when you think you should do something because others encourage you to, or you chose to because everyone else is doing it, and you feel that you just want to 'fit in'.

Peer pressure could be for a number of things:

Smoking
Clothes you wear
Skipping School (Truanting)
Having Sex for the first time
Listening to certain types of music

Sometimes people may feel that you want to do it to fit in and be part of the crowd, or because they think they'll get teased or bullied.

It's normal to feel like you want to fit in with everyone else, but in the end people will think you're much cooler if you can make your own decisions. No one should pressure you into doing something you don't want to do.

Be Careful not to do something you don't want to do

Peer Pressure can be when people are trying to get you to do something you don't want. Sometimes they'll say things like "Everyone else is doing it, why aren't you?"
If you don't want to do something but you do it any way, you'll probably regret it.
Nobody should be made to do anything they don't want to.

Are you worried about a friend or sibling?

If you friend doesn't want to do something, but feels pressuried, back them up and say 'no' too. This can help them and make peer pressure easier to resist.
If you help them make their own decisions, it will help build their confidence.
Try helping your friends, but be careful not to add extra pressure on them.

Are You Feeling Peer Pressure?

It can be hard if you are the only person saying no to something, but be brave.
If you friends want you to do something you don't want to, ask yourself how you really feel and stand by what you believe
If you say 'no' to something then your real friends should respect you and not try to get you change your mind. If they don't, maybe you need new friends.
It's beeter to have a few friends who want the best for you, than lots who try and make you do things you don't want.

Who To Contact...

Sexual Health Helpline - 0800 567 123

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