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Peer
pressure is always tough to deal
with, especially when it comes
to sex. Some teenagers decide to
have sexual relationships because
their friends think sex is cool.
Others feel pressured by the person
they are dating. Still others find
it easier to give in and have sex
than to try to explain why not.
Some teenagers get caught up in
the romantic feelings and believe
having sex is the best way they
can prove their love.
Some things to think about before peer pressure makes the decision for you:
- Not
every person your age is having
sex. Even if sometimes it feels
like everyone is "doing it," it
is important to realize that this
is not true. People often talk
about sex in a casual manner, but
this doesn't mean they are actually
having sex.
- Hollywood
doesn't show the full story. Sexual
situations are everywhere in our
culture. They are on television,
in movies, and even in commercials
and magazines. This is part of
the reason why we enjoy these things
so much. Just remember: characters
in these movies, television shows,
and advertisements are actors and
actresses. They can't get unwanted
pregnancies and STIs. You can.
Knowing how
you feel about yourself is the first
big step in handling peer pressure.
It's OK to want to enjoy your teen years and all the fun times
that can be had. It's OK to respect yourself enough to say, "No,
I'm not ready to have sex."
Ways to Avoid Peer or Date Pressure:
- Hang
out with friends who also believe
that it's OK to not be ready for
sex yet.
- Go
out with a group of friends rather
than only your date.
- Introduce
your friends to your parents.
- Invite
your friends to your home.
- Stick
up for your friends if they are
being pressured to have sex.
- Think
of what you would say in advance
in case someone tries to pressure
you.
- Always carry
money for a telephone call or cab
in case you feel uncomfortable.
- Be
ready to call your mom, dad or
a friend to pick you up if you
need to leave a date.
- Never
feel obligated to "pay someone
back" with sex in return for
a date or gift.
- Say "no"
and mean "no" if that's
how you feel.
Nothing
But Trouble...
The effects
of drugs and alcohol can make it
hard to think clearly, let alone
make the best possible decisions
about sex. While you're under the
influence of drugs or alcohol it
is easy to make a decision you'll
regret later. Even worse, there
are some people who will use the
effects of alcohol and other drugs
to force you into having sex with
them.
Date Rape: If you fall
asleep drunk or pass out at a party, it is possible that someone
will take advantage of you during the night. There is a "date
rape" drug, and it is known as GHB. GHB pills can be called "roofies" and
they are usually mixed in a beverage.
GHB makes it possible for someone
to have sex with you against your will.
Someone can place something in your
drink when you are not watching, so
be careful not to leave your drink
unattended.
REMEMBER: If you have
been sexually hurt, it is NOT your
fault. You should NOT feel guilty or
ashamed. If you have been hurt, contact
your local Rape Crisis Center, or talk
to someone you trust like a parent
or friend.
Here are
some resources:
Rape, Abuse
and Incest
National
Network
(RAINN)
National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
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