Peer Pressure/Relationship Pressure
Everyone has a desire to fit in into a group. Have you been told, “ Alaaa… Everyone is doing it, so why not you?” You will definitely experience peer pressure many times during your teenage years.
A friend may decide to skip class and ask you to join in. Someone offers you a cigarette for free. Or your friend is talking about having an intimate relationship with their boyfriend/girlfriend. What do you say? Are you tempted to follow them, or can you stand strong in what you believe in?
Many teens feel like “nothing bad can happen to me” in these situations. But you need to look at the risk and potential complications in advance.
A friend may decide to skip class and ask you to join in. Someone offers you a cigarette for free. Or your friend is talking about having an intimate relationship with their boyfriend/girlfriend. What do you say? Are you tempted to follow them, or can you stand strong in what you believe in?
Many teens feel like “nothing bad can happen to me” in these situations. But you need to look at the risk and potential complications in advance.
Try to use these questions in these situations:
But do you realise that peer pressure can also be positive? It can help you to train harder in sports, or try to study harder. We can equip ourselves with knowledge to help us manage pressure well. Remember, you are not alone, and help is all around.
- Could this hurt my body?
- Could this hurt somebody else?
- Is this against the law? Could I go to jail?
- What are the long term effects to my education or family relationships?
But do you realise that peer pressure can also be positive? It can help you to train harder in sports, or try to study harder. We can equip ourselves with knowledge to help us manage pressure well. Remember, you are not alone, and help is all around.
Managing Stress
Are you feeling stressed?
That is not surprising! Stress is very common among teens. Sometimes stress turns into depression or anger.
School is the top source of stress in teens. Some of us have family issues, relationship issues, and many other things from our world making us feel emotional and physical signs of stress. Common symptoms include feeling tired, nervous, having negative thoughts, and sleeping problems. Eating too much, or too little are also linked to stress.
That is not surprising! Stress is very common among teens. Sometimes stress turns into depression or anger.
School is the top source of stress in teens. Some of us have family issues, relationship issues, and many other things from our world making us feel emotional and physical signs of stress. Common symptoms include feeling tired, nervous, having negative thoughts, and sleeping problems. Eating too much, or too little are also linked to stress.
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Don’t worry. With the right help you can manage your stress so it doesn’t cause health problems. Let’s see what we can do.
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In summary, adolescence is one of life's most complex stages, when young people take on new responsibilities and experiment with independence. When they are engaged and supported, adolescents can thrive and contribute to communities and families.
