The impact of peer pressure
Worksheet 4: Coping with the negative effects of peer pressure Activity 1: Analyse peer pressure
When in a dilemma, we don't know what to do. The 5W1H Method can help us understand the overall picture of peer pressure incidents so that we will know why they happen, how they develop and anticipate how they will develop further, so as to help us find feasible solutions.
W
hat"What situation am I experiencing now?"
For example: I suggested that the group report be presented in the form of news reporting.
W
ho "Who are involved in the incident?" For example: A few classmates.W
here "Where did the incident happen?" For example: In the classroom.W
hen "When did the incident happen?How long did it last?"
For example: After school and the discussion lasted for an hour.
W
hy"Why did it happen? Why did people involved in it did this?"
For example: A classmate suggested using drama to present the group report and found news reporting too boring
ho
W
"What are the consequences or effects of this incident on different people or yourself?"
For example:
On the group: Worried that using drama is too risky as poor performance would affect the group scores.
On me: Worried that if I disagree with the classmate’s suggestion, other classmates will dislike me as they may think I am being authoritarian.
Fig. 9 5W1H Method
What happened？
When did it happen？
Where did it happen？
Who are involved？
Why did they do this?
What are the consequences or effects of this incident on you?
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“Truth or Dare” ⎯ Swallowing Slugs
In 2010, a 19-year-old Australian man Sam Ballard celebrated his birthday by partying with his rugby friends. At the party, they played "Truth or Dare", and a friend challenged him to swallow a live slug. In order to prove his courage to his friends and gain their recognition, he accepted the challenge and swallowed the slug caught from the garden. He immediately felt unwell and sent to the hospital.
After a detailed examination by the doctor, it was found that his brain was infected with parasites and was in a coma for 420 days. After waking up, Ballard’s four limbs became paralyzed. He had to use a wheelchair to move in and out, and he needed to be tube fed.
His mother had to take care of him around the clock. She said that the incident was devastating, and it changed their lives forever. In an interview with the media, the teammates also expressed their regret for not stopping Ballard from swallowing the slug.
Source: kknews.cc (2018); Guangming Online (2018); LaMotte (2018); Rogers (2018); Smith (2018).
Try out 5W1 Method to analyse the above incident and fill the answers in the blanks.
W hat
"What situation am I experiencing now?"
Friends urged Sam to swallow a slug alive.
W ho
"Who are involved in the incident?" Sam and his rugby teammates were involved.W here
"Where did the incident happen?"
It happened at Sam’s birthday party.
W hen
"When did the incident happen? Did it
last for a long time?" It happened in 2010 and once at Sam’s birthday party.
W hy
"Why did it happen? Why was it done?"
Sam wanted to prove his courage and seek acceptance and recognition among peers. They were being playful. And alcohol may have affected their judgment.
ho W
"What are the consequences or effects of this incident on different people or yourself?"
On Sam himself: He suffered from paralysis of all four limbs. He was unable to take care of himself in daily life and need to be taken care of by others around the clock.
On family members: They felt sad, and it increased the family burdens.
On friends: They felt sad while living with guilt.
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With reference to the above and personal opinions, answer the following questions:
1. If you were Sam’s friend, what advice would you give him when a friend’s courage is challenged?
- First, I will persuade him not to be impulsive, but to think about the consequences. For example, if someone does not think clearly and swallows something of unknown origin to prove one’s courage, it is a very unwise and dangerous behavior, which may lead to very serious consequences, such as illness or death. Such an act not only puts one’s life at risk, it is also irresponsible for not considering the impact on one’s family. Then, I will also explain to him that true friendship is not built on courage and moments of joy. Even if someone can pass the challenge, it does not mean that one can win the friendship, or one can create a good image. Instead, people may find you a reckless, willful and impulsive person.
2. What would you tell the friend who made the challenge request?
- I will tell the friend that true friendship lies in respecting and showing consideration for the other party. Also, it is immoral and unethical to put the safety and life of a friend at risk in order to pursue moments of joy and excitement for oneself.
3. Try to share one incident in you were requested by a friend to do something against your will. Did you comply with your friend’s request at that time? Why?
Incident:
- Study: Asked to apply for the same secondary school; choose the same extracurricular activity; join tutorial classes together.
- Life: Asked to lend luxury brand items; buy the same trendy products.
- Acts that are bad for health, against moral standards or violate laws:
Asked to cheat parents, bully someone, watch pornographic videos, smoke, take drugs, make quick money, steal, etc.
Reaction:
- Complied with friend’s request:
Reason: Because I was afraid that my friend would be unhappy; if I did not comply with my friend’s request, I would be teased and rejected.
- Did not comply with my friend’s request.
- Reason: I did not want to do things that were against my will; I was afraid of being scolded by my family.
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Activity 2: How to deal with negative peer pressure
In the face of peer pressure, many young people will decide to abandon their personal principles and make some wrong decisions due to being overly caring and considerate or fear of loneliness. In fact, no matter how important a friendship is, it should not be placed above morality, law or health. When facing peer influence that has negative impacts on us, we should stick to good conduct and maintain our personal positive qualities. Therefore, helping young people learn how to deal with peer pressure and make the right decisions is particularly critical. Here are some possible solutions.