resisting pressure
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
Celebrities - Assign students the task of finding a celebrity or a private individual who has successfully recovered from an addiction. How long did the recovery take? How did addiction affect this person’s family or career?
3 Steps to Resisting Pressures - Have students practice resisting pressure to engage in risky behaviors such as sexual activity and the use of alcohol or other drugs. Divide the class into groups and have each group plan and act out a role play scenario in which someone resists pressure to engage in risky behavior. Reinforce to the students that non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication. Suggest the following guidelines for resisting pressure:
Speak Up – Say “no” and briefly state why you don’t wish to engage in the risky behavior.
Stand Up – If speaking up doesn’t end the pressure, say “no” and state your reason again, letting the person know that you are prepared to leave.
Walk Away – If the pressure continues, leave the situation and the pressure behind by walking away. Although this is difficult, it is sometimes the only way to make your decision clear.
“Smart Choices About Sex” - For grades 7-12. In this lesson students will explore peer pressure as it relates to sex and their decision whether to yield to such pressure. Click here for complete lesson plan.
“That’s My Line” - For grades 9 – 12. This lesson is a fun, creative, and practical way to help students identify persuasive situations and practice refusal skills when it comes to issues dealing with sexuality. Click here for complete lesson plan.