4 Ways to Help Kids Resist Peer Pressure

Keeping Teens Drug & Alcohol Free in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood & Riverwoods

February/March 2025

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For Elementary School, Middle School & High School Families

Resisting Negative Peer Pressure

4 Ways Parents Help Their Kids

Peer pressure and the desire to fit in is part of life for our kids and can be a good thing -- like students who encourage their peers to study more, try a new school activity, or show kindness toward others. Peers can also influence each other in negative or harmful ways, like engaging in risky behaviors of drug or alcohol use, skipping class, or cheating on a test.

Here are 4 ways a parent helps their child build their own resistance against negative peer pressure:

Accept them unconditionally -- and let them know you do.
Affirm their worth -- to remind them they are valued.
Impart wisdom -- when they are open to hearing it.
Share lessons learned -- to help them navigate unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations.

All four of the above are based on TIME with your child. Quality time that is spent together will look differently for every family. Some ideas include: walking the dog, hiking, getting ice cream, playing miniature golf, grabbing a coffee, thrift shopping, canoeing, sledding, etc. Ask your child what they would like to do, be flexible in saying yes, and make your time together as uninterrupted and as device free as possible!

A strong family relationship builds resiliency in your child and improves their ability to resist negative peer pressure -- both of which are lifelong skills necessary in finding the balance between being true to themselves and fitting in with a group.

So when your child is in an unfamiliar, uncomfortable or unsafe social situation and asks themselves "Is this the right thing to do?" they will hopefully know the answer and act on it.

Source: The Pressure to Fit In

Here are additional tips on helping your child manage peer pressure.

Conversation starters in CTAD's Family Resource Guide (English) and en español can help parents navigate many topics.

For Elementary School, Middle School & High School Families

Game Plan for Uncomfortable Social Situations

60 Second Conversation Starter

Create a game plan with your child so when they find themselves in an uncomfortable or unsafe social situation, they will be better able to navigate it.

Here are 5 conversation goals that can help in having those 60 second conversations with your child.

It's not one 60-minute conversation.

It's 60 one-minute conversations.

2024-2025 Programming for All Parents/Guardians

Check out Glenbard Parent Series for weekly free webinars on relevant topics presented by high-profile authors, educators and clinicians.

For High School Families

"Drug-Free Because YOU CARE"

DHS & HPHS Awareness Campaign

The latest poster in the "Drug-Free Because YOU CARE" campaign celebrates the 74.2% of DHS & HPHS students who agreed with the statement "I resist peer pressure," reinforcing the importance of having ongoing conversations with your child. The campaign also celebrates the 91% of DHS & HPHS students who do not use marijuana, staying true to themselves and their beliefs. By making the connection between resisting peer pressure and drug-free choices, the campaign hopes to increase students' personal motivation to stay drug-free.

Each poster theme comes from the 40 Developmental Assets Framework, a list of assets proven by research to help young people be more resilient to challenges and avoid risky behavior. DHS & HPHS students from the Delta Drug-Free Youth Coalition helped design this year's awareness campaign. They selected the slogan, the topics and the images, and surveyed their peers to find out what they care most about.

For High School Families

Warriors, Why Be Drug-Free?

The first Delta Drug-Free Youth short film is now showing on the District 113's Vimeo site and features DHS Warriors who are drug-free for many reasons, including promoting a healthy lifestyle, setting good goals, and giving back to their communities.

For All Community Members

District 113 Education Foundation

Awards DHS & HPHS Delta Students

The District 113 Education Foundation awarded funds to Delta DHS and HPHS students to expand their student-led media campaign project this spring. The campaign will include outdoor yard signs at both DHS & HPHS school entrances.

For All Community Members

Rev. Dr. Suzan Hawkinson

Volunteer Spotlight

CTAD welcomes Pastor Suzan Hawkinson who, for nearly 14 years, has been part of the Deerfield community as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. She joined CTAD as Secretary of the Executive Board, just when it was facing a change in leadership. Suzan has been amazing at reviewing the qualities of a new Executive Director in collaboration with the Board and reaching out to the broader community.

Suzan is thrilled to be a part of CTAD’s commitment to alcohol and drug prevention. Through its “boots on the ground" approach, CTAD reaches students and families through its message of empowerment and health: “Encouraging courage and agency in good decision making seems a powerful contribution to our community’s needs."

“Across the years of my ministry in Deerfield, I have stood with families who have suffered the powerful and detrimental forces of addiction and use—with both drugs and alcohol. The mental and permanent physical health issues that come with hazardous substance engagement have brought me to care for folks who find themselves in the hospital and at the graveside. The commitment of CTAD to prevention work is essential for the health and well-being of our community."

We celebrate all of our extraordinary volunteers!

Read all about them in our volunteer spotlights.

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Support is Always Available: Students who are struggling or worried about a friend are encouraged to talk to a counselor, parent, or other trusted adult. When they aren't available, or it just doesn't feel right for the situation:

Check this list of free, 24/7 confidential support lines
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Community - The Anti-Drug (CTAD) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN 451631475). Our coalition of volunteers and community organizations strive to reduce alcohol, marijuana and other drug use among youth in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods, Illinois. Funding is generously provided by the Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park, other foundations/organizations, individual donors and a Drug Free Communities grant from the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views, opinions and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect our funders' views, opinions or policies.

Parents/guardians of youth in High School District 113: You opted in to receive these monthly newsletters during school registration and may unsubscribe any time.