How To Handle Peer Pressure By: Kristina Failla Submitted to: Dr. Jaballah M. Hasan Specific Goal: I would like to inform the audience how to handle peer pressure Introduction: 1. What is Peer Pressure? A. Peer Pressure is when one person tries to talk another unwilling person into doing something. B. Peer Pressure can happen anywhere and anytime between people of all ages, but mainly around students in school. C. Many that pressure others are known to be the “popular kids” and others give into it to avoid looking “un-cool”.
Thesis: Each day, around the world, there is a kid getting pressured into doing something they don’t feel comfortable doing. Informing these kids how to handle the pressure can eventually make it stop and help them make the right decision they’re too scared to make. Body: 1. Peer Pressure A. Peer pressure occurs with kids all ages. B. Most that are getting pressured don’t even realize it or know that it’s not okay. C. The majority of kids that give into pressure do it because they are afraid of being made fun of. D.
Peer pressure causes many to begin drinking, smoking, or even drug habits. 1. Long-term affects of being pressured A. Drugs and alcohol can cause addictions and they all have to start somewhere. B. Both drugs and alcohol are so socially acceptable it’s hard to stay away from any of them which makes it more difficult to avoid trying them. C. Alcohol can destroy your liver, kidneys and even cause alcohol poisoning and death. D. Certain drugs can cause damage to you brain and depending on what it is it can destroy your nasal passages and even your lungs. 3.
Why most kids are pressured into doing these things A. Seeing that the majority of their peers have found themselves drinking or smoking they are more prone to believe that it is okay for them to do it as well. A. Some kids think that they will get teased or that they will feel left out if they do not participate with everyone else. B. Others do it because they feel they have no better way to find friends and that this could be an easy way to make them. 1. Cigarettes A. Believe it or not, cigarettes are one of the main causes of peer pressure. B.
Because so many people smoke cigarettes today, many find themselves doing it as well just so they can fit in and join the conversation all the smokers go outside to have. C. Cigarettes cause lung cancer, yellowing of the teeth, throat cancer, leave an awful smell and are filled with thousands of harmful chemicals one of which being nicotine, which is extremely addicting. D. Being able to avoid giving in to peer pressure could help you not become one of these people. 1. Why Peer Pressure is not okay A. Pressuring someone that is not completely sure about their choice is never okay. A.
A person should be allowed to make their own decisions. B. Pressuring someone may seems harmless, but you could potentially cause that person to believe it’s okay to smoke (or drink, use drugs, etc… ) and eventually turn that one cigarette into a life long addiction that could ruin their health. 1. How to say “NO” A. If you’re not comfortable or confident enough at the time to tell that person that you’re trying to be friends with then try telling them nicely that you’re more into a healthy lifestyle and prefer to keep it that way. A. Tell them you’re not comfortable doing something that could potentially harm your body.
OR JUST SAY NO!! 1. Why you should feel good about saying no A. Think about it, no good friend will force you into doing something you’re not comfortable with so if they were to get mad then you can move on and find a new crowd to hang out with. B. Your body will thank you! (And so will your parents! ) C. You will feel more confident and proud of yourself for sticking up for what you believe in. Conclusion Being pressured by peers is just a part of growing up, but fortunately you will have the confidence to state your opinion and not give in to something you’re not comfortable with.
Doing so will make you feel good about yourself and help you realize that being pressured by people just isn’t worth your time and isn’t worth the potential harm to your body. Work Cited “Dealing With Peer Pressure. ” KidsHealth – the Web’s Most Visited Site about Children’s Health. Web. 4 Feb. 2012. “Health Effects of Smoking Cigarettes. ” Stop Smoking Programs, Cessation Products and Quitting Aids. Article. 6 Jun. 2006. “It’s My Life . Body . Alcohol . Peer Pressure | PBS Kids GO! ” PBS KIDS: Educational Games, Videos and Activities For Kids! Web. 4 Feb. 2012. . “Peer Pressure. ” At-Risk Youth. Web. 5 Feb. 2012. .
