Every day, teens are faced with situations in which they’re pressured to do something risky, unhealthy or, worse, illegal. Unfortunately, many teens wind up “going along” not because they want to, but simply because they don’t know how to respond.
According to Susan Carney, a guidance counselor at Upper Moreland Middle School in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, teens find it difficult to say no because they’re afraid of losing a friend, looking uncool, or being left out of the crowd.
“The trick,” she says, “is to practice saying no in a variety of situations so you’re prepared for anything. By learning a bunch of possible responses, you are more likely to be able to come up with one that fits the situation when the time arises.”
Carney offers 10 way teens can…
