| Our relationships play a large part in shaping who we | | | | sooner or later pressure you with their negative |
| are. Among our most powerful influences is our peer | | | | habits. |
| group. Our peer group is the people we associate | | | | Combat negative pressures by learning to say no. If |
| with who are similar in age, background, social status | | | | someone is trying to get you to do things that make |
| and interests. These people influence our beliefs and | | | | you uncomfortable or will work against your goals, |
| behavior. | | | | just tell them that you would rather not. Make no |
| Teenagers make decisions about who they call | | | | apologies or excuses. Just say no. |
| friends by who they identify with or want to identify | | | | Studies show that kids who get good grades are |
| with. Even though some teens prefer to go it alone, | | | | involved in sports or other activities, such as music |
| the desire for a teenager to fit in and to be part of | | | | and other arts, tend to avoid peer groups that are |
| a group is almost overwhelming. | | | | into negative and destructive behaviors. Peer |
| You are about to make some serious changes in the | | | | pressure is the number one reason teens get into |
| way you do things. You want your grades to change | | | | drinking, drugs, smoking, and criminal behaviors. |
| so you are going to have to do things a lot | | | | Not all peer pressure is negative. Members of positive |
| differently. Where does your current group of friends | | | | peer groups set plenty of good examples for each |
| fit into your new lifestyle? Do they want to see you | | | | other. Having peers who are committed to doing well |
| be successful? Are they supportive of the fact that | | | | in school or to doing their best in a sport can |
| you are not going to do some of the things you | | | | influence you to be more goal-oriented, too. Being |
| used to do because you have to devote more time | | | | around positive, goal-oriented people can help you |
| to your studies? Look at the people you spend the | | | | develop positive habits. They also can be a source of |
| most time with. Do they encourage you to do your | | | | encouragement. |
| best? Are they working hard to do well in school? If | | | | Work to develop positive relationships and avoid |
| not then you may consider some new friends or | | | | negative peer pressure. |
| spend less time with them. Negative people will | | | | |