Problem/Solution paragraphs "Peer Pressure"

As you grow older, you'll be face with some challenging decisions. Making decisions on your own is hard enough, but when other people get involved it can be even harder. People who are your age, like your classmates, are called peers. When they try to influence you how you act it's called peer pressure. Sometimes peers influence each other in negative ways. For example, a few kids in school might try to get you cut class with them or a kid in the neighborhood might want you to shoplift with him. Some kids give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they worry about others kids might make fun of them if they don't go along with the group. Others go along because they are curious to try something new that others are doing.

One solution to the problem of peer pressure is to pay attention to your feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm, walk away, and resist doing something you know that is wrong.

A second solution is to have at least one other peer, or friend, who is willing to say "no". too. This makes it much easier to face peer pressure. It's great to have friends with values similar to yours who will back you up when you don't want to do something. If you choose friends who don't take drugs, cut class, smoke cigarettes, or lie to their parents, then you probably won't do these things either, even if other kids do. Try to help a friend who is having trouble resisiting peer pressure. It can be powerful for one kid to join another by simple saying, "I'm with you - let's go".