Peer Power Slides Peer Power
Navigating Influence & Making Bold Choices
What is Peer Pressure?
The feeling that you must do something just because your friends or people your age are doing it.
It can be a whisper, a dare, or just a look. It's the "invisible force" of wanting to fit in.
Two Sides of Influence
Negative
Pressures you to do something unsafe or wrong.
Makes you feel uncomfortable or guilty.
Forces you to change your values.
Positive
Encourages you to be your best self.
Inspires you to try new, healthy things.
Supports your goals and boundaries.
Scenario Check: A
Vibe Check
"Everyone is skipping the last period to go to the park. If you don't come, you're going to miss out on the funniest afternoon ever. Don't be a buzzkill!"
The Goal:
To get you to break school rules.
The Pressure:
Using "fear of missing out" (FOMO) and insults.
IS THIS POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE?
Scenario Check: B
Vibe Check
"I know you're nervous about the talent show, but you've been practicing that song for weeks! You sound amazing. You should totally sign up—I'll even stand in the front row and cheer for you."
The Goal:
To help you overcome a fear and succeed.
The Influence:
Offering support and genuine encouragement.
IS THIS POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE?
Your Power Shield
01
The Direct "No"
"No thanks, I'm not into that." Keep it simple. You don't owe an explanation.
02
The Better Plan
"Nah, let's go grab some snacks at my house instead." Redirect the energy.
03
The Exit Strategy
"I've gotta go, my mom just texted me." Use a 'lifeline' to leave the situation.
Be the Spark
Positive influence starts with YOU.
!
Invite someone new to sit with you.
!
Compliment a friend's hard work.
!
Stand up for someone being treated unfairly.
Discussion Time
01
Why is it sometimes harder to say "no" to friends than to strangers?
02
Think of a time someone influenced you positively. How did it feel?
03
What's one way you can be a positive influence at school tomorrow?
Influence Investigator Worksheet Influence Investigator
Decoding Peer Pressure & Positive Power
Name:
Date:
Negative Influence
Pressure to do something unsafe, unkind, or against your values.
Positive Influence
Encouragement to be your best self and make healthy choices.
01 Case Files: Spot the Influence
Read each scenario and check whether it is Positive or Negative . Then, explain your choice.
"Everyone's getting the same haircut to match. If you don't get it, you can't be in our group photo. It's just a haircut, don't be weird."
Positive
Negative
Why?
"Hey, I noticed you're really good at math. You should join the robotics club with me! It's fun and we could use someone like you."
Positive
Negative
Why?
02 Power Shield Training
Practice your refusal strategies. Choose a Direct No , a Better Plan , or an Exit Strategy for each situation.
Situation: A group of friends wants to prank call a teacher after school.
Strategy Choice: _________________________________
Your Response:
Situation: Someone is teasing a younger student and wants you to join in.
Strategy Choice: _________________________________
Your Response:
Be the Spark
Positive influence starts with one person. Brainstorm three ways you can influence others for good this week.
01
02
03
Peer Power Teacher Guide Peer Power
Facilitation Guide
Navigating Influence & Empowering Student Choices
Learning Objectives
• Students will distinguish between negative peer pressure and positive peer influence.
• Students will practice three distinct refusal strategies for social pressure situations.
• Students will identify concrete ways to be a positive influence in their community.
Pacing (45 Min)
Intro & Slides 1-310 min
Scenario Check (4-5)10 min
Strategy Drill (6-7)10 min
Worksheet & Wrap15 min
Slide-by-Slide Delivery
01-03 Foundations
Defining the Influence
Focus on the "invisible" nature of peer pressure. Ask students: "Have you ever done something you didn't really want to do just because of a 'look' someone gave you?" Emphasize that influence isn't inherently bad; it's the direction (positive vs. negative) that matters.
04-05 Analysis
Vibe Checks
Don't just look for the "right" answer. Ask: "How would you feel in Scenario A?" and "Why is Scenario B harder to spot as influence?" Explain that positive influence often feels like a "boost," while negative pressure feels like a "squeeze."
06-07 Strategy
Refusal Training
Model the three strategies using different tones. The Direct No should be firm but not aggressive. The Better Plan should be friendly but decisive. The Exit Strategy is for when things feel unsafe or escalating.
Refusal Strategy Cheat Sheet
The Direct No
Best for: Minor requests or when you feel confident.
"Nah, I'm good."
"Not for me, thanks."
"I don't do that."
The Better Plan
Best for: Maintaining the friendship while avoiding the activity.
"Let's go play basketball instead."
"I'd rather watch that new movie."
"Want to go get pizza?"
The Exit Strategy
Best for: High-pressure or unsafe situations.
"I forgot I have to call my grandma."
"My ride is here, gotta go!"
"I'm feeling sick, I'm heading home."
Probing Questions
"What makes someone a leader vs. someone who is just being bossy?"
"Why do we care so much about what our peers think?" (Discuss the biological need for belonging).
Influence Investigator Answer Key Answer Key
Influence Investigator Worksheet
Teacher Resource
01 Scenario Analysis
Scenario 1 (The Haircut)
Answer: Negative Influence
Reasoning: This is a classic "conformity" pressure. It uses threats of exclusion ("you can't be in our group photo") and insults ("don't be weird") to force someone to change their physical appearance to fit a group standard.
Scenario 2 (Robotics Club)
Answer: Positive Influence
Reasoning: This is encouragement based on a person's strengths ("you're really good at math"). It invites them to a healthy activity and expresses genuine interest in their participation without using threats or insults.
02 Power Shield Training
Note: Student responses will vary. Accept any response that correctly applies the chosen strategy.
Prank Call Situation
Direct No: "No way, that's mean and I don't want to get in trouble."
Better Plan: "Let's just play video games at my house instead."
Exit: "I just saw my mom's car, I gotta run!"
Teasing Situation
Direct No: "I'm not doing that. Leave him alone."
Better Plan: "Let's go to the cafeteria, I'm hungry."
Exit: "I forgot I have to ask my teacher about that project. See ya."
03 Be the Spark
Look for answers that focus on inclusion, kindness, and modeling good behavior. Examples include:
Sitting with someone who is alone at lunch.
Complimenting a peer's effort on a difficult task.
Inviting a classmate to join a game at recess.
