Peer pressure is feeling pushed by friends or classmates. It pushes you to think, look or act a certain way.

Your peers are people about your age. A peer is a person your age.

Peers can be close friends. They can be other kids you know. Classmates and teammates are peers too.

Feeling pushed by friends is a normal part of growing up. Nearly everyone has been in that spot.

Some pressure is about little things. It can be about the music, shows or clothes friends like.

One reason kids go along with friends is that they want to fit in.

Friends can influence what you choose to do. You can influence them too.

Friends can push you toward good things too. They can push you to be kind. They can push you to work hard.

Friends can help each other in kind ways. They can share. They can take turns. They can speak kindly to each other.

You can say no thanks to something you do not want to do.

A grown-up you trust can help when a friend's push feels hard to handle.

Words to know

• peers: people your age
• influence: shape choices