Topic- Peer Pressure and Brains. The part of the brain responsible for making the big decisions about smoking, drinking and taking drugs doesn’t mature until the early-to-late 20s which leaves lots and lots of time to make big mistakes, probably life-altering mistakes.
Peer pressure situations involve “hot cognition”, those emotionally-based reactions so typical of teenagers whereas “cold cognition” is the rational, non-emotional way of responding.
Dealing with peers is the leading source of stress and kids these days are leaned on to comply in multiple ways because of the “group think” dynamic. They forget to look out for themselves.
Teach them ways to make a “no” response funny. “My parents are crazy. If I do this, I’ll be grounded for life” goes a long way toward getting out of shady situations.
Teach them refusal skills. Teach them to be assertive, stand tall, look others in the eye and to rate all of their options. Practice with them regularly. Good luck!
