Helping Your Child Manage Peer Pressure

We’re all influenced by the people around us. It’s natural for us to change how we behave to fit in with our friends and family. But peer pressure goes further. It’s the feeling you have to do something you’d prefer not to do.

Younger children may experience peer pressure to play a particular game or act in a certain way. It can be hard for them to express their views and opinions if they’re different from their more confident friends, or if they struggle to make friends.

How to help your child with peer pressure

It’s hard for even the most confident children to stand up for themselves. No one likes to say ‘no’ to their friends. But there are a range of ways you can support your child if they are feeling pressured.

1: Say “no” and walk away

Remind your child it’s okay to say “no” if they don’t feel comfortable with something. Rather than putting up with the pressure, they may find it easier to make an excuse and leave.