4 Ways You Can Handle Negative Peer Pressure

Posted by Betweentime on December 1st, 2021

We all have peers. They could be classmates who share the same interests as you do, friends with similar experiences, or even neighbors of the same age with whom you are involved in community activities. While you may not recognize all your peers as friends, it is crucial to keep in mind that all of them can have a significant influence on you. Peer pressure can be both positive and negative. It can be helpful when it pushes you to work hard, study more, do your best, show your talents, and so on. But when it encourages you to do things you aren’t sure of or things you know aren’t right, that is when you need to be very careful. Dealing with this pressure can be incredibly challenging, but you need to reflect on your own values, preferences, and behaviors when making your choices and decisions. There are numerous Christian TV shows for kids that can help you in this endeavor.

When faced with overt negative pressure from your friends, here are a few things you can do to handle the situation without conflict:

1.Recognize unhealthy dynamics

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that it is not okay for anyone to influence or pressure you into doing things you aren’t comfortable with or don’t want to do. You also shouldn’t let anyone deride you, shame you, or unfairly criticize you for your choices. If you notice anyone exhibiting such behaviors, you can either politely ask them to stop or distance yourself from them.

2.Practice saying “no”

When you cannot avoid a pressure-filled situation, practice saying “No.” While you don’t need to apologize or look for an excuse, sometimes it can be easier to say “No”, if you have  predetermined a reason for your “No” response.

3.Find friends with similar values

It is always much easier to say “no” and refuse to be a part of an uncomfortable situation when you have someone else doing the same thing. This is why it is important to have friends who share the same values and beliefs as you.

4.Stand up for others

When you watch Christian TV channels for kids, you will find that they have shows that encourage you to stand up for others. If you see someone being pressured, you can have the confidence to intervene if it is appropriate for you to do so. And if you are uncomfortable directly intervening, you can distract them or find someone to help you.

Negative peer pressure can potentially have devastating consequences, which is why it is crucial that you learn how to handle it. Moreover, when you are empowered with strength and wisdom from your relationship with God, and you have good tools to face such challenging situations, you also gain the skills to build healthy relationships in the future.
 
Author’s bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about ways you can handle negative peer pressure.