Influence Equation Slides THE INFLUENCE EQUATION
Decoding why we make the choices we do.
What Makes Us Choose?
The "Inner" State
What's happening inside your own mind and body right now.
The "Outer" Context
The world around you: people, messages, and your environment.
Factor 1: Your Inner State
Curiosity
Just wanting to know "what it's like" or feeling left out of a secret.
Stress
Feeling overwhelmed by school, family, or expectations.
Escape
A desire to "switch off" hard feelings like sadness or loneliness.
Factor 2: Social Context
Peer Mirroring
Doing what your friends are doing just to stay connected or avoid "standing out."
Media Glow
How movies, music, or influencers make substance use look "cool" or "normal."
Environment
What we see around our neighborhoods or at home shapes our "normal."
The Collision Point
ME
THEM
"It's easier to say no when you know WHY they're saying yes."
TIPPING THE BALANCE
Check Your Inner State
Name the feeling (Am I bored? Sad?)
Find a healthy outlet (Music, sport, talk)
Stop and breathe before deciding
Check the Context
Ask: "Is this really what I want?"
See the influence (Is this an ad? Peer pressure?)
Surround yourself with a "Shield Squad"
Choice Equation Worksheet THE INFLUENCE EQUATION
Decoding Choices & Substances
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Inner State
Your "Inner State" is what is happening inside your mind and body. How do these feelings sometimes make tricky choices seem like "good" ideas? Match the feeling to the thought.
A. Boredom
B. High Stress
C. Curiosity
D. Sadness
____ "I just want to know what everyone is talking about."
____ "I need something—anything—to make this day more exciting."
____ "My brain is so noisy with worries, I just want it to stop."
____ "I'm feeling so low, maybe this will make me feel better for a bit."
Part 2: The Social Context
Social Context is the world around you. Identify one "Outer" influence for each category below that might pressure a 12-year-old to try a substance.
Friends/Peers
Media/Social Media
Movies/TV/Music
Part 3: Solving the Equation
SCENARIO: Alex is feeling very stressed about a math test (Inner State). A group of older kids Alex admires is hanging out and offers a vape pen (Social Context).
What is a healthier way Alex can handle the Inner State (Stress)?
What is one thing Alex could say to handle the Social Context (Older kids)?
The Equation is always in your control. Choose wisely.
Equation Facilitation Guide Teacher Resource
Duration: 45-60 Minutes
EQUATION FACILITATION GUIDE
Inside Out Choices: 10-12 Year Olds
Core Objectives
1. Categorize Influences
Identify internal (emotional/physical) and external (social/environmental) factors that impact choice.
2. Analyze Scenarios
Predict how specific "Inner States" combined with "Social Context" lead to high-risk decisions.
The "Mental Movie" Script
Use this 3-minute oral narrative instead of a video clip to prompt visualization.
"Imagine Leo. It's Friday afternoon. (The Inner State) : Leo is feeling 'invisible.' His parents are arguing, he just got a bad grade, and he feels like he doesn't matter. His stomach feels like a heavy rock."
"Leo walks past the park. (The Social Context) : A group of older kids—the ones with the 'cool' sneakers and loud music—calls him over. They're passing around something that smells sharp and sweet. They tell him, 'Hey Leo, you look like you need to chill. Try this. It'll make everything disappear for a while.'"
"Leo wants to belong. He wants the 'heavy rock' in his stomach to go away. (The Collision) : The internal sadness meets the external pressure. This is the Equation."
Pause & Ask:
What is the 'Inner State' in this story?
What is the 'Social Context'?
What is Leo actually trying to fix?
Discussion Prompts
1
The Media Glow: "Why do movies often show teenagers using substances during 'fun' montages, but rarely show them waking up with a headache or getting in trouble with their parents?"
2
The Curiosity Trap: "Is curiosity a bad thing? How can we be curious about our world without putting our health at risk?"
Worksheet Answer Key (Part 1)
C - "I just want to know..."
A - "I need something... more exciting."
B - "My brain is so noisy..."
D - "I'm feeling so low..."
Refusal Radar Slides REFUSAL RADAR
Equipping Your Inner Shield
Detecting the Pressure
Your "Radar" helps you see the hidden context before you're in the middle of it.
Radar Warning Signs:
• "Everyone else is doing it" messages
• Feeling like you "have" to say yes to fit in
• Situations that don't match your goals
TACTIC TRIO
The Broken Record
Firmly repeat your "No" or "No thanks" as many times as it takes.
The Pivot
"No thanks, let's go play basketball instead." Move the focus.
The Exit Plan
Leave the situation. Text your parents for a ride or just walk away.
The Shield Squad
Your "Inner State" is stronger when you're not alone.
Supportive Friends
Trusted Adults
Safe Places
RADAR CHECK-IN
"Practice is how we turn a 'No' into a super-power."
Scenario 1
Someone offers you a hit at a party.
Your Move
Use "The Pivot" tactic.
Shield Squad Organizer SHIELD SQUAD ORGANIZER
Mapping Your Support Network
Agent Name:
Code Date:
Adult Anchors
List 3 adults you can talk to when the "Inner State" feels heavy or the "Social Context" gets overwhelming.
Name & Connection (e.g., Mom, Coach, Teacher)
Name & Connection
Name & Connection
Peer Shield
Who are the friends that help you stay true to yourself? How do they support you?
Tip: A true friend won't judge your boundaries.
The X-Plan: Emergency Text Code
What is an X-Plan?
It's a secret word or emoji you text your "Adult Anchor" if you're in a situation where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. When they receive it, they pick you up or call you with a "fake" family emergency so you can leave with a clean exit.
My Secret X-Plan Code:
Share this code with your adult anchor today!
Refusal Scripts Activity REFUSAL SCRIPTS
The "Practice Makes Permanent" Activity
ROLE PLAY
INSTRUCTIONS: Cut these cards along the dotted lines. In pairs or small groups, take turns playing the "Pressure Point" (the one asking) and the "Shield" (the one refusing). Practice using the BROKEN RECORD , the PIVOT , or the EXIT PLAN .
1
The Scenario
Your best friend finds a half-full bottle of spirits in their kitchen and says, "Let's see what it tastes like. Just one sip won't do anything."
Tactic Focus: The Broken Record
2
The Scenario
You're at a skate park and a group of older kids you really admire are vaping. They hold it out to you and say, "Don't be a baby, everyone does it."
Tactic Focus: The Pivot
3
The Scenario
You're at a sleepover. Someone brings out some pills they found in their parent's cabinet and says it'll make "the movie extra scary."
Tactic Focus: The Exit Plan
4
The Scenario
You're feeling really stressed about a huge science project. Your cousin offers you some of their "energy booster" pills to help you focus.
Tactic Focus: Choice of any Tactic
