Chapter 8: Peer Relationships
Lesson 1 — Safe and Healthy Friendships
Types of Friendships
Your peers, people your age with similar interests, have a powerful influence on your health. Strong friendships share similar values, honest communication, mutual respect, concern for each other's safety, and sharing of joys and disappointments.
Casual
Built on shared interests without deep emotional bonds. You enjoy each other but don't always confide.
Close
Deep emotional ties. You can share thoughts, feelings and struggles without judgment.
Platonic
A friendship with someone of a different gender, with real affection but no romance.
Online Friendships — Stay Safe
- Never share your full name, address, phone number or school.
- Don't send photos to people you haven't met in person.
- Never meet an online contact alone. Always tell a trusted adult first.
- If someone online makes you uncomfortable, tell an adult right away.
- Be careful in gaming chats, social media DMs and apps that connect you with strangers.
Lesson 2 — Peer Pressure and Refusal Skills
What Is Peer Pressure?
Peer pressure is the influence people your age have on your actions and decisions. It can be direct or subtle. Not all of it is bad: positive peer pressure can push you to try new activities, volunteer, work harder and avoid risky behavior.
Negative pressure can show up as harassment (repeatedly targeting someone) or manipulation (indirect, dishonest control through guilt trips, threats, flattery or bribes).
Three Refusal Steps
- 1. State your position. Say no clearly and firmly, with an honest reason: "It goes against my values." Use confident body language.
- 2. Suggest alternatives. "No, let's go to the movies instead." You stay connected without giving up your values.
- 3. Stand your ground. If the pressure keeps coming, make it clear you won't budge. Walking away is always an option.
Lesson 3 — Practicing Abstinence
Dating and Setting Limits
Dating can be a positive experience when both people respect each other. The most important limit you can set is abstinence: a deliberate decision to avoid high-risk behaviors, including sexual activity and the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Self-control means letting your values, not the emotions of the moment, guide your choices.
Why Abstinence Matters
Unplanned pregnancy
Teen birth rates are at a record low, but an unplanned pregnancy still changes the course of thousands of young lives every year.
STIs
People ages 15–24 are about 13% of the population but have nearly half of new STIs. Abstinence is the only 100% effective protection.
Emotional risks
Hurt, guilt, loss of self-respect and regret are common when teens aren't ready for a sexual relationship.
Media pressure
Shows and social media glamorize sex without showing consequences. That's entertainment, not reality.
Handling Pressure Lines
- "Everybody does it." → "No. Not everybody is doing it."
- "No one will know." → "I'll know, and I'm the one who matters."
- "If you loved me, you'd do it." → "If you loved me, you'd respect my decision."