Standard of Learning

6.3 The student will describe the connections between mental and physical development as they relate to adolescence. Key concepts/skills include:

1. the effects of stress;
2. respect for individual differences;
3. positive and negative responses to criticism;
4. the effects of peer pressure;
5. the effects of bullying;
6. issues related to body image and weight management.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will understand the effects of peer pressure on decision making.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• define peer pressure.
• explain the difference between positive and negative peer pressure.
• identify situations involving negative peer pressure.
• explain the difficulty of not yielding to peer pressure.
• identify ways to handle peer pressure:
• say NO;
• explain reasons for saying NO; and
• encourage friends to make better decisions.

Sample Lessons

CNNfyi.com: Bullying solutions
Grade(s) 6-8
In this lesson plan, students will learn how to identify, recognize and make an individual plan for bullying.
http://cnnstudentnews.cnn.com/2001/fyi/lesson.plans/03/08/bullying/
Free

"Cycle of Addiction"
Grade(s) 6-8
Students will examine the cycle of addiction to drugs and what can be done to prevent it. At the same time they will learn how families and peers influence their decision making.
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/addiction/
Free

Group Rope Squares
Grades 5-12
This lesson will further reinforce group cohesion and communication skills as well as problem solving and cooperation. In teaching a drug prevention program, it is important to introduce activities like this that illustrate to students that Together they can help solve each other's problems, depend on one another, and communicate their needs to others.
Sponsor: Ask Eric
Contact: http://www.eduref.org (select lesson plans – health – substance abuse prevention)
Free

It's My Life: "The Dangers of Drug Abuse"
Grade(s) 4-7
For grades 4-7. Students this age should understand that they will be faced with a variety of decisions regarding their health, and that some of them might involve substances of abuse. Experimentation with drugs often begins in early adolescence.
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/parents/lesson_plans/dangers_of_drug_abuse.html
Free

LifeSkills Training
Grades: 6-8
Model substance abuse prevention and competency enhancement program focusing on the major social and psychological factors causing substance use and abuse. Teaches drug resistance skills, personal management skills, and general social skills. Includes self-image, self-improvement, decision-making, anger management, assertiveness, communication, media, and conflict resolution issues.
Contact: http://www.lifeskillstraining.com
Cost

"Peer Pressure"
Grade(s) 6-8
At ages 12 to 14, youths are aware of drugs and may already have been offered or pressured to use drugs by older siblings and friends, or by their own peers. This lesson helps students recognize peer pressure and decide how to refuse drugs.
http://www.acde.org/educate/78plan2.htm
Free

Project Towards No Tobacco Use (TNT)
Grades 5-10
Model program to prevent or reduce tobacco use in youth. Ten core and 2 booster lessons. Includes effective refusal and coping skills; effects of media and advertisers; methods to build self-esteem; and strategies for advocating no tobacco use.
Sponsor: Department of Preventive Medicine, USC
Contact: http://www.etr.org
Cost

Social Emotional Learning Lesson
Grade(s) K-6
In this lesson students will share their ideas of what they believe teasing is.  From the story and their discussion, they will learn about dealing with being left out, fear and embarrassment.
http://www.dist102.k12.il.us/internal/SELWebPg/COP4Chrysanthemum.htm
Free

Substance Abuse Influences
Grades: 4-6
There is no other area in the schools today that commands more public attention than that of substance use and abuse. This particular activity shows that substance abuse education is more effective if it focuses on processes of decision making rather than problems.
Sponsor: Ask Eric
Contact: http://www.eduref.org (select lesson plans – health – substance abuse prevention)
Free

Teaching Values: Self Determination
Grades: 4-6
This lesson will help students understand the value of self-determination. It demonstrates this value through role play.
Sponsor: Ask Eric
Contact: http://www.eduref.org (select lesson plans – health – mental health)
Free

Tough Truces: A Lesson on the Causes and Prevention of Gang Violence
Grade(s) 6-12
In this lesson, students will learn about the factors contributing to the growth of gangs and gang violence. Groups will discuss causes for gang violence and suggest measures that can be taken by various community groups to reduce such activity.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/
Free

Additional Instructional Resources

• Adolescence and Peer Pressure - http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/family/nf211.htm
• Character Education Programs
• Life Skills Program
• Peer Pressure - http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/LPview?core=7
• Peer Pressure and Choices - http://www.doitnow.org/pages/163.html

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• write a story involving a situation in which a teen responds positively to negative peer pressure.
• describe examples of positive and negative peer pressure.
• use a decision-making model to avoid making unwise decisions.

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