Peer Relationships

Chapter 8, Lessons 1-3

Peer RelationshipsCh 8, Lesson 1

Different Types of Friendships and Being Safe

Casual, Close, Platonic, On-line

Friendships: Many types throughout life

Casual:- Share similar interests- No deep emotional bonds

Close:- Strong emotional ties- Support/encouragement; listens to

concerns without judgment- Talk about problems

Friendships: Many types throughout life

Platonic:- Shared affection with opposite gender- Not considered a couple

On-line:- Communication through Internet- Positive vs. Negative

- Rewarding to know people from all over the world (cultures/traditions)

- Dangerous when others aren’t truthful

What should you do to be safe on Internet?

1. Don’t share personal information2. Don’t share photos (facebook?)3. Never arrange face/face meetings4. Tell a trusted adult if… you become

uncomfortable

Recognizing Problems in Friendships

Important to know how to recognize and resolve problems in friendships

Cliques – small circle of friends who exclude others as outsiders

Ways to avoid negative aspects of cliques...• Become active in several activities• Develop variety in friendships

Envy or jealousy – you have unique talents, don’t compare yourself; think positive (self-talk)

Student Activity: (5 minutes)

Read “When Friendships Change” on page 197 in Glencoe Health textbook – Health Skills Activity

With a classmate, role-play a scene to end this scenario using the instructions given in the ‘writing’ section

OR

You may write or draw a cartoon ending the scene using the instructions given in the ‘writing’ section

Peer Pressure and Refusal Skills

Ch 8, Lesson 2

Peer PressurePeople your age can influence how you think, feel, and act

Can be negative or positive…

Positive Peer Pressure: Positive Friends…•Inspire you to try something new•Encourage you to participate in activities•Influence you in healthful ways…

Negative Peer Pressure:•Take part in negative behaviors•Accept beliefs with negative consequences•Cliques who are disrespectful to others•Bullying or acts of bullying

Harassment:Persistently annoying others

Manipulation:Indirect, dishonest way to control or influence other people

Examples (pg. 200, Figure 8.5): making threats, blackmail, mocking or teasing, ‘guilt trips’, bargaining, flattery, bribing

Resisting Negative Peer Pressure:

Practicing Refusal Skills (communication strategies) will help you deal with NPP

Assertive Refusal 1. state your position - reason2. suggest alternatives - activities3. stand your ground – body language,

eye contact; walk away

Passive and Aggressive Responses

Passive = easier?Viewed as pushover, not worthy of respect

Aggressive = get your way?Viewed as forceful, pushy, or hostile

Being assertive shows you stand up for your rights, beliefs, and needs. It shows you respect yourself and those around you.

Practicing AbstinenceCh 8, Lesson 3

Setting Limits

To protect your health and safety

Age of people you date

Where you go?

How will you get there?

What will you do when you get there?

AbstinenceA deliberate decision to avoid high-risk behaviors

Intimacy – closeness between two people developed over time.

Infatuation – exaggerated feelings of passion

Self-control – a person’s ability to use responsibility to override emotions (control reaction)

set limits for expressing affectioncommunicate with partnertalk with trusted adultlow-pressure dating situationsdate someone who respects/shares same

values

Avoiding Risk SituationsWhat do you think? (class discussion)

Avoid places where alcohol and other drugs are present

Avoid being alone with a date at home or in an isolated place

Considering the Consequenceswhat do you think? (class discussion)

STIs/STDs

Unplanned pregnancy

Consent Law – NC consent law - age is 16

The facts… about sexual behavior in teen years

Effects on Mental/Emotional Health:

• Aren’t committed as in marital relationship

• Guilt feelings – truthful to parents about

sexual activity? Would they approve?

• Loss of self-respect going against values

• Regret and anxiety in consequences

The facts… about sexual behavior in teen years

Effects on Social Health:

• May lose opportunity for new friendships

• May lose opportunity for new activities

• Tension in family from disappointment/worry

• Challenges in financial and emotional support

• Teen parents put own education/career and

dreams on hold to raise child

Is it normal to have sexual feelings?Yes.

Can you control the reaction to these feelings?Yes.

Deliberate decision = planning and self-control

Re-commit to Abstinence – ALWAYS an option – never too late to decide/act on protecting your

health and well-being!

Know the facts before you react…

Dating Decisions – personal values and priorities will influence your dating decisions

Are you ready to date? Other priorities? (goals, tasks, values, and activities you judge to be more important than others)

Set healthful dating expectations…

consideration and respect

communicate thoughts and feelings

honestly

never feel pressured to do anything

against you or your family’s values

Refusal Skills Suggestions to Say No to NPP

“Everybody does it”No. Not everybody is doing it.

“I thought you were cool”I am cool, and the answer is still no.

“No one will know”I’ll know, and I’m the one who matters.

“If you loved me, you’d do it”If you loved me, you’d respect my

decision.

Student Enrichment:

Design a website on abstinence for teens. You will draw this on paper. The site should be accurate, informative, and creative. It should also contain links to other reliable abstinence websites…

(link ideas: more information on refusal skills, decisions to date, peer pressure, considering consequences, sexual

content on tv, benefits of abstinence…)

What is your website address?