Living with Peer Pressure and Bullying »

Peer pressure takes many different forms, including hurtful comments, undue influence by others to buy material items, or pressure to behave in a certain way or engage in a particular activity. Bullying is different from peer pressure because it implies a direct threat, repeated over time by the same person, of physical or emotional harm for not doing something.

Living with Peer Pressure and Bullying examines the nature of these two common behaviors, the effects they have, and how teens can combat them. Chapters also cover the coercive power of peer pressure, the risks and rewards of telling the truth, cyberbullying, and helping others cope with bullying.

School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up—Sandler acknowledges the importance of the Internet, cell phones, and digital devices for communication but also wants to inform readers about safety and security. Chapters cover social networking, shopping, online job hunting, file-sharing, email scams and Internet fraud, online drugstores, and online meeting and dating. The author also addresses protecting one's identity, viruses, cell phones, IMs and text messaging, wireless security, and helping friends cope with Internet and online dangers. Written in an informative and respectful manner, this book is sure to be useful for teens' informational reading. Tarshis examines topics such as peer pressure, managing difficult situations, the risks and rewards of telling the truth, mental-health problems, cyberbullying, and finding and paying for medical care. Each chapter begins with a personal account about a teen facing the chapter topic; includes explanations presented in clear language, at times accompanied by questionnaires and explanatory charts; and ends with "What You Need to Know," which summarizes the main ideas. These books are important additions for most libraries.—Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA

1 What Is Peer Pressure? 1

2 When You Do Have a Choice: Managing Sticky Situations 10

3 The Coercive Power of Peer Pressure 21

4 Who Are Your Friends, Really? 46

5 Are You Being Bullied? 58

6 The Risks and Rewards of Truth Telling 69

7 When Things Get Overwhelming: Mental Health Problems 81

8 Taking Charge Yourself 101

9 Cyberbullying: The New Frontier 120

10 Being an Advocate: Helping Others Cope with Bullying 128

11 Finding and Paying for Care 133

Glossary 139

Appendix: Helpful Organizations 142

Read More About It 156

Index 160