Helping a child resist peer pressure

Is there a young person in your life that you think could use some advice regarding peer pressure and their social life in general? As children begin to start caring about what other people think of them, particularly their peers, they can start getting into trouble and become distracted from their school work. It is a tricky time for them and it will take the support of people the trust to get them through it unscathed. Here are some tips from a sixth form in Hertfordshire for those who want to help.

If a child talks to you about something that is going on at school and it sounds like it could be peer pressure, it’s important that you explain to them what a true friend is. Help them understand that if someone is pressuring them to do something that they’re not comfortable with then that person is not a true friend and might end up getting them hurt or into a lot of troubles.

Let the child know that saying no is ok; they don’t always have to go along with what others are doing. Teach them how to make compromises and also how to stick up for themselves if someone teases them for not following the crowd.

It’s also important to help build up the child’s self-esteem so that they can confidently stand-up to other children at school. You can do this by listening to their thoughts and opinions with complete respect and lack of judgement and also by paying them meaningful compliments.

Children who have good relationships with their parents and other adults they can trust often feel more comfortable when resisting peer pressure, so it’s a good thing the child in question has you to support him/her. Have regular chats with them about everything that’s going on and if something does worry you, don’t be afraid to contact the school.

*this is a collaborative post