What is an effective way for teachers to help teens resist peer pressure?

The effectiveness of discussing what is right for students and expressing approval lies in the supportive environment it creates, which empowers teens to make their own choices. When teachers engage in open dialogue, they allow students to reflect on their values and the implications of their decisions. This approach fosters critical thinking skills and self-confidence, enabling teens to articulate their own beliefs and resist peer pressure more effectively.

By expressing approval for positive behaviors and choices, teachers affirm students' individuality, encouraging them to stand by their convictions even when faced with external pressures. This supportive interaction builds trust and rapport, making students feel valued and understood, which is essential for healthy decision-making in social contexts.

Contrastingly, encouraging students to follow trends could undermine their ability to make independent choices. Forcing conformity goes against the principles of personal autonomy and self-efficacy, while ignoring students' feelings dismisses their experiences altogether, which can lead to isolation or increased susceptibility to peer pressure.