Where to get help with peer pressure?

Peer pressure can be really tough to handle. One of the first things you can do is find a group of friends that don't peer pressure you. Ignore people who try to get you to do something you don't want to do.

Sometimes that's not an option, so another way to walk away is to practice first. Maybe with a parent or another trusted adult. Have them act like your peers and then refuse them. With them, come up with a good response.

Ex:

Parent acting as peer: "Common, take a smoke, it won't hurt you."

You: "No, that's disgusting, I care about my lungs too much."

Parent acting as peer: "What a loser, you're so lame."

You: "At least my teeth will stay white and I won't smell like a chimney" Then walk away.

Practicing scenariOS such as this one can help make it easier to walk away when faced with peer pressure in reality.

Another great way to avoid peer pressure is to become involved with sports and after-school activities. Find hobbies and people that stay away from harmful activities.