See you tonight. Family and friends are strong influences on adolescent behavior. Discuss peer influence Ask students to identify positive and negative influences from the story about Zaney. Peer influence may affect sexual behaviors. Discuss adolescent health risks of sexual behavior Ask students to brainstorm ways other than sexual intercourse to show affection.
Record responses on the board.
In early adolescence, students are not ready emotionally for the complications of a sexual relationship. Saying no may be more difficult when you care about the other person. Some refusal strategies allow a person to refuse and keep the relationship. Have students write their responses individually. Then divide the class into small groups to discuss the responses.