Volume 3, Number 3

1996 Indiana University - The Center for Adolescent Studies

Feeling Peer Pressure

Lesson Objectives:

Students will be able to identify the aspects of peer pressure to which they may be most susceptible.

Grade Level and Subject Area:

9-12: Health Education.

Materials:

Masking tape

Activities and Strategies:

• Make a long line on the floor out of masking tape. Put a sign on one end that says "10: Feel strongly for the issue" and a sign on the opposite end saying, "1: Feel strongly against the issue." You may also want to put a sign with "5" on it in the middle of the line.
  
• Explain to the class the sometimes it takes a strong will and a lot of courage to go against one's peers.
  
• Ask for a volunteer to "take a stand" on a controversial issue. For example:
  "The school should allow students to leave during lunch."
  "A woman should be able to hold down ANY job a man can hold down in the work place."
  "This school should have uniforms."
  "Teens shouldn't need their parents permission to buy CD's with explicit lyrics on them."
• Have the volunteer stand at the point on the line that indicates his/her position on the issue.
  
• Have the rest of the class try to pressure the volunteer into moving by making compelling arguments for or against the issue. Encourage them to be persistent. Let them make promises, etc.
  
• After a few minutes, stop the class and discuss the activity.
  • How did the volunteer change his/her mind?
  • How did it feel to be under so much pressure?
  • How did it feel to give the pressure?
  • What arguments would convince you to move? Why?

This activity should be followed by information about decision-making and coping skills.

Adapted from Substance Abuse Prevention Activities for Secondary Students. By Patricia J. Gerne and Timothy A. Gerne. Published by Prentice Hall in 1991.