The pressure to conform (to do what others are doing) can be powerful and hard to resist. A person might feel pressure to do something just because others are doing it (or say they are). Peer pressure can influence a person to do something that is relatively harmless or something that has more serious consequences. Giving in to the pressure to dress a certain way is one thing going along with the crowd to drink or smoke is another.

People may feel pressure to conform so they fit in or are accepted, or so they don't feel awkward or uncomfortable. When people are unsure of what to do in a social situation, they naturally look to others for cues about what is and isn't acceptable.

The people who are most easily influenced will follow someone else's lead first. Then others may go along, too so it can be easy to think, "It must be OK. Everyone else is doing it. They must know what they're doing." Before you know it, many people are going along with the crowd perhaps on something they might not otherwise do.

Responding to peer pressure is part of human nature but some people are more likely to give in, and others are better able to resist and stand their ground. People who are low on confidence and those who tend to follow rather than lead could be more likely to seek their peers' approval by giving in to a risky challenge or suggestion. People who are unsure of themselves, new to the group, or inexperienced with peer pressure may also be more likely to give in.

Using alcohol or drugs increases anyone's chances of giving in to peer pressure. Substance use impairs judgment and interferes with the ability to make good decisions.

Don't leave your drink unattended.

Slipping date rape drugs into a drink is the preferred method of administering it so, If you're out with friends having a drink it's important that you don't leave your drink unattended if you go to the bathroom or move to chat with other friends. If you have to leave it then ensure that someone you completely trust, like your best friend looks after it. If you realise that it has been left unattended don't drink it buy another!

Safety in numbers

If you go out for the evening try not to go alone, go with a group of friends as there is more safety in numbers. People who are willing to use date rape drugs often look for people on their own as there is no one to watch out for them. If there is a group of friends this will reduce your chances of being at risk.

Dating violence or abuse affect one in four teens. Abuse isn't just hitting. It's yelling, threatening, name calling, saying "I'll kill myself if you leave me," obsessive phone calling or paging, and extreme possessiveness.

Are you going out with someone who...

• is jealous and possessive, won't let you have friends, checks up on you or won't accept breaking up?
• tries to control you by being bossy, giving orders, making all the decisions or not taking your opinion seriously?
• puts you down in front of friends or tells you that you would be nothing without him or her?
• scares you? Makes you worry about reactions to things you say or do? Threatens you? Uses or owns weapons?
• is violent? Has a history of fighting, loses his or her temper quickly, brags about mistreating others? Grabs, pushes, shoves, or hits you?
• pressures you for sex or is forceful or scary about sex? Gets too serious about the relationship too fast?
• abuses alcohol or other drugs and pressures you to use them?
• has a history of failed relationships and always blames the other person for all of the problems?
• believes that he or she should be in control of the relationship?
• makes your family and friends uneasy and concerned for your safety?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could be a victim of dating abuse. Both males and females can be victims of dating violence, as can partners in heterosexual and homosexual relationships.

• Bake some goodies for the elderly people in your community.
• Offer to rake the lawns of those in your neighborhood who are not able to.

• Tell your parents where you are going and when you'll be back. Know your home phone number and address, and your parents' work and cell phone numbers, or write these numbers on a card and carry it with you. That way you can always reach your parents, and they can always reach you.