Peer pressure: Definition, Types and How to say no​

Trying new things is a part of growing up. But that doesn't mean that you have to drink alcohol, take drugs and smoke.

If your friends are all taking part, it can feel hard to say no. But it's your decision, not theirs. And you have the right to decide what you want to do.

Bullying can mean different things. If your friends are calling someone names, putting them down, or doing anything to deliberately make someone else feel bad, then this is bullying.

If you're being pressured into bullying someone, it can be really difficult to say no. But there are ways you can stand up to peer pressure:

• practise how to say "no" and remember you don't need to explain yourself
• think about your reasons and how to help your friends understand 
• avoid situations where you might be asked to join in with bullying
• tell someone like a teacher to make sure it stops
• if you're being pressured into bullying someone online, report it
• if you're worried about how someone is being treated online, post positive things or message them something supportive.

You might feel pressured to change things about yourself, like losing weight. This pressure could be coming from a friend, a family member or online. Hearing negative things about how you look or your weight can be really upsetting and make you lose confidence.

It can also be really harmful. Pressure to lose weight can lead to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Being healthy means making sure you eat enough food, and don't lose weight in a way that’s not safe for you.

Working on ways to build self-esteem after being bullied or pressured by someone can help you feel confident with how you look. There is no one size fits all – everyone deserves to feel happy in their own skin.

Having sex or being sexually active can be a big decision. Not everyone will feel ready or want to do something, and that’s always okay. You should never feel pressured by what other people are doing.

If you don't feel comfortable with what’s happening, then nobody should make you feel like you have to do something or continue. You should never be pressured to send a nude or sexual message either. It’s always okay to explain how you’re feeling and what you want.

Remember that nobody has the right to do something sexual to you without your consent. If you’re being pressured, it can help to:

• Find out more about consent and your rights
• Explain how you’re feeling and what you want
• Leave a situation if you can, or take a break before replying
• Get support outside the situation with a friend or adult you trust
• Speak to the police in an emergency or if you feel unsafe

If you’ve shared a nude and you’re worried about what might happen to it, you can use Report Remove to take it down if it’s posted somewhere and stop it being posted publicly anywhere else. 

If you’re feeling pressured, it can help to think about whether your relationship is healthy.

Whether it's skipping class, stealing, or breaking the law, we may all feel pressured to do something that might get us into trouble at some point in our lives.

Sometimes it's hard to see how a dare or a prank might affect you and your life ahead. Especially if all your friends are doing it.

It can seem fun to join in. And you might trust your friends. But breaking the law can have serious consequences.

Each situation is different, but it's hard to go back and change things if you get in trouble with the police. Remember you have the right to say no.

Try to think it through what will happen if you:

• take drugs – your physical and mental health could be damaged
• shoplifting - you could be arrested or taken to a police station.
• doing something dangerous – you could hurt yourself or someone else.