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Unfortunately most children would jump off a bridge if that's what all their friends were doing. Peer pressure is like a contagious illness passing from one person to another, its victims are most often young adults and children. There is no miracle cure for peer pressure, but for those who have armed themselves with information, the battle can be won.
Teach children strong values and let them know what is expected of them. But don't overwhelm them with unattainable goals.
If you don't want your child smoking, do not tell them not to smoke, explain to them why they shouldn't. Children and young adults will often do as they see and not as you say. For example: If a parent tells a child not to smoke, while they themselves are lighting-up, the child will likely follow their parent's example instead of their advice.
Once a child is instilled with strong values, how do you help them remain srtong once the pressure begins? You obviously can't jump out of the bushes and whisper advice in their ear, but they will hear you anyway.
Their success under pressure depends on your success at home.
Do not teach a child that the actions you disapprove of are evil. It's hard for anyone to look at their best friend as a villain just because they are making mistakes. Instead, explain to your child that what their friends may be doing are mistakes, not sins. Let them know that their friends are still good people.
If a child loves their friends, they will not believe you if you say those friends are bad. They are far more likely to believe that their actions are wrong, and thus be far less likely to participate in those actions.
Do not tell your child that he or she cannot hang out with their friends because they are a bad influence, this will only work against you. Instead, let your child be a good influence in a mislead crowd.
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