Peer pressure and fitting in
When your mates pressure you to do or go along with something you don’t like, it’s a form of peer pressure. We've got tips and info to help you out in these tricky situations.
Peer pressure is something we all have to deal with
It’s okay to feel confused or struggle with peer pressure. Everybody faces it at some point in their lives.
- By learning how to identify peer pressure you’ll get better at dealing with it
- Standing up to peer pressure takes practice and courage – it can be scary at first
- No matter how pressured you feel, you always have the option of saying ‘no’
- You might have friends who enjoy taking risks or trying new things - it doesn’t mean you have to do it too
"I was being peer pressured to be mean to one of my friends... I knew it wasn't right and I felt awful that I was doing this to one of my closest friends." – Josh, Grade 10
There are lots of situations where you might feel pressured to join in, even when you don’t want to
Here are some situations where you might feel pressured to follow your mates:
- Taking drugs or drinking alcohol
- Having sex
- Sexting
- Shoplifting or stealing
- Skipping school
- Driving without a licence
- Cheating on tests
- Copying somebody else’s work
- Dressing or acting a certain way
- Not being friends with someone
It isn’t easy saying ‘no’ when you’re being pressured by your mates
You might be scared they won’t like you or want to be your friend anymore.
It takes practice standing up to peer pressure and being true to yourself.
Try these tips for staying strong and not giving into peer pressure:
A confident ‘no thanks’ or ‘not for me’
Using humour to deflect pressure or attention
Move away from the situation
Be direct and say you don’t appreciate feeling pressured
Get support and talk to someone you trust
Know what you’re willing to let slide and what you’re not okay with
"They made me do things I didn't want to do. I felt anxious, pressured and lonely."
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