What Can I Do if I Want to Say No to Peer Pressure?
Sometimes it is hard to say no to friends. Often it is easier to “go along”
with someone’s idea than to let people know how you really feel. Peer pressure
occurs when other kids your age push you to do something that:
- you don’t want to do
- makes you uncomfortable
- you know will get you in trouble
You may feel that if you don’t go along, they will laugh at you or not be
your friends.
There are ways to say no to peer pressure that will help you get out of the
situation. The trick is to practise these when you’re alone, or with your
parents or someone you trust. Then, when you need to use one of these, you will
be more comfortable doing so.
- Just say no.
In some situations, just saying no without a lot of arguing and explaining
is the best response. Just make sure your “no” is a strong and determined
one.
- Give a reason why it’s a bad idea.
Say no, and explain why you feel this way. Maybe you can’t go to the party
because its not worth the chance of being grounded. Maybe you don’t want to
drink because you know someone who is an alcoholic and you can see how
drinking has messed up his/her life.
- Make a joke.
Humour is a great way to change the topic and the mood. It can take the
attention away from you.
- Make an excuse why you can’t.
Maybe you have something else to do, you have to be somewhere at a specific
time, or your mom will kill you. It doesn’t matter what excuse you use, just
stick to it.
- Suggest a different activity.
By thinking of something better to do, you’re offering everyone an “out.”
You just might be surprised who might take you up on it.
- Ignore the suggestion.
Pretend you didn’t hear it, and change the topic to something else. Act like
you don’t think the idea was even worth discussing.
- Repeat yourself if necessary.
Sometimes you’ll be asked over and over again. Stick to your decision, don’t
be talked into doing something you don’t want to.
- Leave the situation.
If you think the others are going to do something you don’t want to be
involved in, just leave. You can make up an excuse, or you can say nothing
at all. If you lead the way, others may follow.
- Thanks, but no thanks.
You can be polite, but you still aren’t interested. You can say, “It’s
something I’m just not into.”
- The power of numbers.
Talk to your closest friends about how you feel. Then you can support each
other. Agree up front that we will stick together.