How to Win Against Peer Pressure

Introduction:

Peer Pressure can be both positive & negative. Negative peer pressure can be frightening to adults. We remember facing peer pressure as a kid and don’t want our kids making bad choices. During adolescence, our kids will test & evaluate the values we have instilled in them. Tonight we will see how negative peer pressure impacts the lives of our kids.

I. Things we need to know about peer pressure.

A.        Negative peer pressure is no respecter of age.

B.        The media fuels the fire of negative peer pressure.

C.         Kids in Christian homes aren’t immune.

II. Some specific areas where peer pressure affects youth:

A.        Having the perfect body.

1.          We live in a vain society.

2.         Society continues to equate personal value & worth with outward appearance.

B.        Having right clothes & look.

1.          Dress is one of the strongest types of adolescent peer pressure.

2.         How many parents find frustration w/immodest clothing for kids?

C.         Being socially link with the right kids in the right activities

1.          What makes a teen cool in the eyes of their peers?

a)          Being funny, having an outgoing personality, having lots of friends, popularity with the opposite sex.

2.         Pressure to have boyfriend/girlfriend.

3.          Athletic ability & involvement in sports

D.        Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs

1.          Media culture glorifies alcohol.

2.         Research shows a powerful connection between what ones friends are doing & how that influences what we do.

a)          National Institute for Child Health & Human Development: the single most important factor is the behavior of your child’s 5 closest friends.

E.         Become sexually active.

1.          Premarital sexual activity of all kids is viewed as appropriate & normal.

2.         Family Planning Perspectives: 8 of 10 teen boys & 7 out of 10 girls will have sex.

III. How to Win Against Peer Pressure

A.        Realize Peer Pressure is a constant battle.

1.          Rom 7:15, 18, 24 – parallel with moral dilemmas kids face in dealing with peer pressure.

2.         Mt. 7:13-14 – we face a spiritual struggle to choose right/wrong.

3.          Our kids will make mistakes. Point them in direction of Rom. 7:25a

B.        Pray. See James 5:16b

C.         Examine yourself.

1.          Model the life of a Christian. Mt. 16:24 – doing right is not always an easy choice.

D.        Ask good questions.  How will you handle it when your teen makes a bad choice?

E.         Get them involved in a healthy, positive peer group.

F.         Teach your kids about the power of influences – Pro. 13:20

Conclusion:

A.        Today’s kids respond to relationships. How is your relationship with your kids?

B.        How is your relationship with God?