Peer Pressure

1. List some benefits of increasing the number and quality of friendships during adolescent teen years.
They are a key to development. They provide a safe venue where the youth can explore and find who they are, and they feel accepted. They also allow youth to build social skills for the future.

2. What fears do parents face as their teens become more independent and more focused on their relationships with friends as opposed to them(their parents)?

Fall under negative peer influence, and reject their families' values and beliefs. 

3. List examples of positive peer pressure.

-Follow rules
-Respect others
-Punctuality
-Stop bad habits
-Uplifting activities
-Postponing dating
-non underage drinking

4. List examples of negative peer pressure.

-Starting in drugs or drinking
-Vandalism
-Bullying
-Disrespectful language
-Misuse and disrespect of authority
-Manipulation
-Attitude towards other people
-Wear certain clothing
-Listen to specific music

5. Do you agree with the statement below? Why or why not?

"While it seems that teens are influenced by their peers, parents continue to be the most influential factor in their lives."

I do agree with it. Because the parents gave the youth, the child their start. Youth seem to have the same views as their parents. And especially when the relationship is positive, that seeps into other relationships outside of parent-child relationships. 

7. List and describe 4 strategies to cope with peer pressure.

   1. Nurture teens' abilities and self esteem: with positive self-concept and self-worth will be stronger in facing the temptations of following negative pressure and influences. And it can be essential in aspects of development positively 
   2. Encourage positive relationships between significant adults and teens: A positive and constructive relationship between teens and parents, teachers, or professionals can prove to be good models. And youth can develop positive qualities about themselves.
   3. Equip youth with skills to resist negative behaviors: help youth analyse and see a situation to make the proper decisions. Help them to see the positive and the negative sides in decisions. 
   4. Teach youth exit strategies or ways to say NO: Talk to youth about potential scenarios, and think them through together.