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Baptistery - 2024 │ Message from Different Students

happen in person or on social The following are tips about are serious and can have life-
media. Teenagers often give peer pressure to share with altering consequences.
in to peer pressure because your kids:
they want to fit in. They want Young people may be more
to be liked and they worry Stay away from peers who susceptible to peer pressure
that they may be left out or pressure you to do things that because their identities are
made fun of if they don't go seem wrong or dangerous. still forming; they desire to fit
along with the group. in and not be bullied and have
Learn how to say “no,” and less risk aversion than adults.
Parents should also recognize practice how to avoid or get
when their child is having a out of situations which feel In addition, a combination
problem with peer pressure. unsafe or uncomfortable. of other age-related and
The following are tips for Spend time with other kids who developmental factors contri-
parents to help their child resist peer pressure. It helps to bute to youth’s increased
deal with peer pressure: have at least one friend who is susceptibility to peer pres-
also willing to say “no.” sure:
Encourage open and honest
communication. Let kids How to say no to Peer They may have trouble
know they can come to you Pressure regulating their emotions.
if they’re feeling pressure to They may be more vulnerable
do things that seem wrong or Know what’s right. Trust your to the effects of reward.
risky. own feelings about what’s They favor immediate over
right and wrong. delayed prospects.
Teach your child to be
assertive and to resist getting Have a friend who will stand Peer pressure can lead a person
involved in dangerous or with you. It can really help to to engage in sexual activity
inappropriate situations or have at least one other peer before they are ready.
activities. who is willing to say “No,”
too. Peer pressure doesn’t suddenly
Get to know your child’s appear at a certain age.
friends. If issues or problems Walk away. If you’re faced
arise, share your concerns with peer pressure while Peer pressure transcends age
with their parents. you’re alone, You can stay groups and can begin before
Get to know how your child away from peers who pressure the first day of school at
interacts with friends and you to do stuff you know is daycare, playgroup, and more.
others online. Communicate wrong.
openly about safe internet Once a child begins seeing
and social media use. Help Get advice from an adult. If themselves as a part of a
your child develop self- you face peer pressure that’s community, the desire to fit in
confidence. Kids who feel hard to handle, get advice may occur for better or worse.
good about themselves from an adult you trust. Talk This is why it is important
are less vulnerable to peer to a parent, teacher, or school to talk to your child early on
pressure. counselor. It can help you feel about peer pressure and how to
much better. Plus, they can avoid being led into negative
Kids often give in to peer help you prepare for the next behaviors by their peers. Peer
pressure because they want time you face peer pressure. pressure in younger children
to fit in. They want to be liked tends to be limited to copying
and they worry that they may Risks of Peer Pressure bad behaviors such as acting
be left out or made fun of if out or taking things that don’t
they don’t go along with the The risks associated with belong to them.
group. peer pressure may not be __________________________
immediately obvious or seem www.verywellhealth.com
like cautionary tales, but they

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MAGAZINE OF COLLEGE ST JEAN NYARUSANGE │ VOLUME 07 │ 2023-2024