Asset of the Week Announcement - Asset #35 - Resistance Skills

Our last asset of the week is Asset #35 - Resistance Skills. You scored well above the national average with 45% saying you resist negative peer pressure and avoid dangerous situations. Teens see peer pressure as a very bad influence second only to drugs. It is one thing to be able to resist negative peer pressure and avoid dangerous situations, but its even more challenging to choose to do the right thing. With summer vacation and a lot of unscheduled time, be aware of the pressures you face. Be clear on what you believe and why. Remember the Positive Values in Assets number 26 to 30: caring, equality and social justice, integrity, honesty, responsibility and restraint. When making decisions, ask yourself these key questions:

- Is this a risky situation?

-Am I being pressured?

-Is this consistent with my values?

-What effect will this have on my future?

-What other choices do I have?

Mr. Brauer has e-mailed to your teachers 25 Ways To Resist Negative Peer Pressure. Get a copy or check it out on the schools website. Have a great, safe summer and remember that assets count.

Additional Asset Material for Asset # 35 - Resistance Skills - June 11, 2001

Adapted from What Teens Need to Succeed by Peter Benson, copyright 1998, Free Spirit Publishing, pages 286-287.

25 Ways To Resist Negative Peer Pressure

1. Walk away.

2. Ignore the person.

3. Pretend that the person must be joking. (What a riot! You are so funny.)

4. Say no - calmly but firmly.

5. Say no and give a reason. (No. Cigarette smoke makes me sick.)

6. Say no and state a value or belief thats important to you. (No. Ive decided not to mess around in that way.)

7. Say no and warn about the possible consequences. (No way! We could all get expelled.)

8. Say no and change the subject. (No, Im not interested. Say, what did you think of that stunt that Clarisse pulled in math class today?)

9. Say no and offer a positive alternative. (No thanks, Ill pass. Im going for a bike ride. Want to come along?)

10. Say no and ask a question. (No! Why would I want to do that?)

11. Say no and use humor. (Forget it. Id rather go play on the freeway; its safer.)

12. Say no and apply some pressure of your own. (No. Say, I always thought you were smarter than that.)

13. Share your feelings. (I dont like being around people who are drinking.)

14. Use your parents as an excuse. (My dad would kill me if I ever did that.)

15. Stick up for yourself. (Im not going to do that. It wouldnt be good for me.)

16. Confront the person. (I cant believe youd ask me to do that. I thought you were my friend.)

17. Call another friend to help you.

18. Always have an out - a Plan B. (Sorry, I cant come to the party. I promised my sister Id take her to a movie.)

19. Lie. (Gotta run. I told my mom Id clean out the garage.)

20. Laugh.

21. Hang out with people who dont pressure you to do risky things.

22. Ask a peer mediator, friend or counselor to help.

23. Tell an adult.

24. Trust your instincts. If something doesnt feel right, it probably isnt right.

25. Avoid the person from then on.