No matter how old you are, people care what others think and want to fit in. The influence of your friends and people your age--your peers--can be powerful. It can affect how you feel, dress and act. This is called peer pressure.
  Peer pressure can be good and bad. Good pressure from your peers might lead you to play sports, study hard or join clubs.
  But there are often negative pressures also--to make fun of someone, to tell a lie, or to cheat on a test. Sometimes the pressure may be about actions that have more serious results like skipping school, using drugs or alcohol, shoplifting or having sex before you're ready. It is important to  think about what could happen if you go along with the crowd. Make up your own mind, even if your peers don't agree with you.
  Young people have decisions to make everyday. Some decisions are more important than others. There is a big difference between deciding whether or not to have sex with someone. The decisions you make say a lot about what kind of person you are.
When you feel unsure, try taking someone you trust--your parents, another adult who cares, or maybe a close friend you respect. Or call:
Contact York (available 24 hours).757-0733
………………………………1-800-826-EARS

It's Okay To Say "No"
  Some decisions, like those about drugs, drinking or sex, are difficult to make and have serious consequences. Be prepared  to feel peer pressure. Plan to say  "no" if you think you might be tempted. There are different kinds of pressure. It can appear to be friendly teasing. If so, you can respond in the same way. Other pressure may be more direct.
  Try these ways to say no:

• change the subject,
  
• avoid the situation,
  
• have something else to do,
  
• leave or make it clear that you  don't have to go along with other people to have a good time.