How do I talk to my teen about peer pressure?

Open, ongoing conversations work better than one-time lectures. Role-play specific scenarios — what to say if offered substances, how to exit an uncomfortable situation, and how to text a code word to be 'rescued.' Emphasize that true friends respect boundaries and that saying no takes courage, not weakness. Help your teen identify trusted adults beyond you who they can turn to. Talk with your pediatrician about age-appropriate risk discussions.