Peer+Pressure

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Peer pressure is one thing that all teens have in common. You can't escape it. It is everywhere. Whether it is pressure to conform to a group norm or pressure to act, peer pressure is something everybody has to deal with at some time in his or her life.

During adolescence you begin to spend a lot more time with your friends, and less time with your family. This makes you more susceptible to the influences of your peers: both positive and negative.

Who are your friends?
Your friends — your peers — are people your age or close to it who have experiences and interests similar to yours. You and your friends make dozens of decisions every day and influence each other's choices and behaviors.

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Peer Pressure: We all Have to Deal with It
As you become more independent, your peers naturally play a greater role in your life. You may change your style, your views, the activities you participate in...and some of these might be positive changes; however, sometimes peers can also pressure you to experiment with drugs and alcohol, sex, or even commit crimes. When these negative and life changing pressures present themselves, how do you handle it?

What Peer Pressures do you face on a regular basis and how do you handle it?
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 * The traits that put you at higher risk for falling into the peer pressure trap include:**
 * lack of confidence
 * uncertainty about one's place within a given peer group
 * no personal interests exclusive of one's peer group
 * feeling isolated from peers and/or family
 * poor academic abilities or performance
 * fear of one's peers
 * lack of strong ties to friends
 * feeling that friends could turn on you
 * close bond with a bully



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