Influence Intro Slides Influence
Pressure
The Influence
Game
Identifying Positive & Negative Pressure
01
What's the Force?
Peer Pressure isn't just a "bad thing." It's the feeling that you should do something because that's what your friends or people your age are doing.
"It’s like an invisible hand pushing you toward a choice—sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse."
The Power of "The Group"
We naturally want to belong.
The group's opinion can feel louder than our own.
Our brains are wired to value social rewards.
02
The Spectrum
Positive
Encouragement that helps you grow or stay safe.
Example: A teammate pushes you to practice harder for the game.
Example: A friend encourages you to join a club you're nervous about.
Negative
Pressure to do something harmful, unsafe, or against your values.
Example: Being dared to break a rule or steal something small.
Example: Being made to feel "uncool" for focusing on schoolwork.
03
Spotting the Signs
The Gut Check
Do you feel nervous, uncomfortable, or like you're betraying yourself?
The Audience
Would you do this if nobody else was watching or around to see it?
The Value Match
Does this choice align with who you want to be and what you care about?
"If it makes you feel less like yourself, it's probably negative pressure."
Round Table
Can you think of a time someone pressured you to do something GOOD for you? How did it feel different?
Why do we sometimes give in to negative pressure even when we know it's a bad idea?
Pressure Sort Worksheet Pressure Sort
Mission 01: The Influence Game
Agent Name:
Date:
1
The Sorting Lab
Read the following scenarios. In the box below each one, label it as Positive Pressure or Negative Pressure and briefly explain why .
A. Jordan’s friends keep bugging him to try out for the school play because they think he’s hilarious, even though he’s nervous about being on stage.
Type:
Because...
B. A group of girls in the hallway are laughing at a student's outfit. They look at Maya and tell her she should post a mean comment on that student's photo.
Type:
Because...
C. Sam’s group is working on a project. His friends tell him to stop playing games on his phone so they can finish and get an 'A' together.
Type:
Because...
D. At a party, everyone is trying a "dare" that involves climbing onto the roof. Leo is scared, but his friends are calling him a "chicken."
Type:
Because...
2
Personal Intel
Think of a time you experienced pressure. Was it spoken (words) or unspoken (just wanting to fit in)? Describe the situation.
How did you feel in that moment? What did you choose to do, and are you happy with that choice now?
Remember: Pressure isn't always a bad thing, but it should always be your choice to follow it.
Screen Pressure Slides Digital
Ripples
Peer Pressure in the Social Feed
01
The Invisible Crowd
In person, peer pressure might be a group of friends. Online, it can feel like the entire world is watching.
How it feels:
Everyone is having more fun than you.
You need to "join the trend" to be seen.
Your life should look like a highlight reel.
Constant Connection
02
The Tech Behind the Pressure
FOMO
Fear Of Missing Out. Seeing friends post about an event you weren't at makes you feel excluded.
Algorithms
Apps show you what's popular, not what's real. It creates a "standard" that isn't true for most people.
Like-Seeking
The pressure to post things that get engagement, even if it’s risky or unkind behavior.
03
Viral Influence
"Digital peer pressure often comes through Challenges and Trends."
The Risk
Doing something dangerous because "everyone else is doing it" for a video.
The Good
Using trends to raise money for charity or spread positive messages.
Unplug & Analyze
Have you ever felt "less than" after scrolling through someone's perfect feed?
If there were no "likes" or "views," would you still post the same things?
Scroll Check Guide Scroll Check
Mission 02: Digital Ripples
User ID:
"Don't let an algorithm decide who you are."
01
The Challenge Breakdown
Think of a recent "viral challenge" or "trend" you saw on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.
Trend Name:
Why is it popular?
Analyze the pressure involved:
Does it pressure people to do something dangerous or illegal?
Does it pressure people to make fun of others or be mean?
Does it pressure people to waste money or buy something they don't need?
Is it a positive challenge (like charity or a talent show)?
02
The FOMO Audit
When you see photos of a party or hang-out you weren't invited to, how do you usually react?
List 3 things you can do to "shake off" that feeling of being excluded online:
Pro-Tip: Use the Pause
Next time you feel pressured to post or comment something just to "fit in," try the 10-Minute Rule: Close the app, do something else for 10 minutes, and then decide if it’s still worth it.
Your mental health is worth more than a notification.
Campaign Launch Project Guide Final Mission
Flip the Script
Peer Pressure Awareness Campaign
Due Date
__/__/____
!
The Objective
You are now an expert in influence. Your mission is to design a creative campaign that helps other students recognize and resist negative peer pressure while celebrating positive influence.
"The best way to resist pressure is to change the culture. Make being yourself the new trend."
Choose Your Medium
Pick one way to deliver your message:
Short Video / PSA
Poster / Graphic Series
Podcast / Scripted Audio
Digital Social Campaign
Campaign Checklist
The Hook
A catchy slogan or title that grabs attention instantly.
The Definition
Explain the difference between positive and negative pressure.
The "Red Flags"
List signs that someone is experiencing negative pressure.
The Strategy
Give 2-3 concrete "scripts" or ways to say NO or walk away.
Visual Impact
Use bold colors, clear fonts, or engaging audio/video.
Call to Action
What do you want your audience to DO after seeing this?
02
Campaign Strategy Board
The Power Slogan
Brainstorm 3 ideas, then circle your favorite.
Example: "Own Your Yes, Power Your No."
Who is your target audience?
What is the "vibe" (Tone)?
SERIOUS
FUNNY
BOLD
CHILL
STREET
Draft your "Resistance Scripts" (How to say no):
01. Direct
02. Humor / Distraction
03. The Exit
Resistance Playbook Worksheet Resistance Playbook
Mission 03: Flip the Script
Expert:
Refusal Skills
Knowing what to say before you need to say it is the ultimate cheat code for staying in control.
Tactical Maneuver
How it works
The Broken Record
Simply repeat your answer. No excuses, no explaining. Just "Nah, I'm good" every time they ask.
The Reverse Pressure
Turn it back on them. "Why are you so obsessed with me doing this?" or "I thought you were cool with people doing their own thing."
The Better Option
Suggest something else to do immediately. "No, let's go get some food instead" or "Nah, I'd rather play that new game."
The Delay
Buy yourself time. "Maybe later," "I have to check something first," or "I'm not in the mood right now."
!
Field Practice
Write a response for each scenario using one of the tactics above.
Scenario: Your friend group is making fun of a new student's accent behind their back. They turn to you and say, "Tell them they sound like a robot, go ahead!"
Tactic:
Write your script here...
Scenario: A group is pressuring you to sneak out of the house tonight to meet them at the park. They say, "Don't be a baby, your parents won't even know."
Tactic:
Write your script here...
The Real Secret
"You don't owe anyone an explanation for being yourself. Real friends respect the 'No'."
Campaign Rubric Teacher Resource Campaign Rubric
Teacher Assessment Guide
/ 20 PTS
Criterion Needs Work (1-2) On Target (3-4) Exceptional (5) Core Concepts Vague distinction between positive/negative pressure. Clearly defines both types of pressure with relevant examples. Deep insight; applies concepts to complex or subtle social situations. Refusal Strategies Generic or unrealistic refusal advice. Provides 2-3 practical, specific "scripts" or strategies for saying no. Innovative and highly relatable strategies that feel natural to peers. Visual & Creative Messy, hard to read, or lacking a clear hook. Engaging design/audio; catchy slogan and clean layout. Professional quality; strong "street smart" aesthetic that grabs attention. Impact & CTA Missing a clear message for the audience. Clear call to action that encourages autonomy and self-respect. Inspiring and empowering; likely to influence real peer behavior.
Teacher Tips
• Encourage students to use slang/terms they actually use, as long as it's appropriate.
• Remind groups that "silence" or "the exit" is a valid refusal strategy.
• Host a "Campaign Gallery Walk" where students can leave positive feedback for each other.
Focus Questions
• "Does this campaign feel like it was made by an adult or a peer?"
• "Is the advice something you would actually say?"
• "Is the distinction between positive and negative clear?"
