Peer pressure & online safety

Lesson 1

Peer pressure

Pressure from friends, a partner or people online can push you toward choices you’re not ready for: sex, sending photos, drinking or drugs, or deciding who you are before you’ve had time to think. Real friends respect your pace.

• “No” and “not yet” are complete answers. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
• Have an exit line ready, like “I’m not into that” or “I have to get home.”
• Spend time with people who lift you up, and talk to an adult you trust when the pressure builds.

Lesson 2

Never send nude photos

Not even to someone you trust. Once a photo is sent, you can’t control where it goes, and sexual images of anyone under 18 are illegal.

Lesson 3

Spotting online exploitation

People who exploit young people often look for someone who feels lonely, misunderstood or curious, and they can seem kind and understanding at first. Be careful with anyone online who:

• Flatters you, or sends gifts, money or gift cards.
• Asks you to keep the relationship secret.
• Brings up sex, or asks for revealing photos (“I’ll show you if you show me”).
• Moves your chat from a public app to a private messaging or video app.
• Tries to turn you against your family and friends, or pretends to be younger than they are.

Lesson 4

If it happens to you

If something feels wrong, stop and don’t send anything more. Never pay. Block them, but don’t delete the messages or profile, and tell a trusted adult. It’s not your fault: the person exploiting you is to blame.

Check yourself

Myth or fact?

Questions people ask

Asked and answered.