Peer Pressure

Child development / Drama games / Peer pressure

Peer Pressure uses movement to explore moral choices, encouraging independent thinking, empathy and the courage to stand by personal values.

In this interactive game, children respond to real-life scenarios by choosing "Yes" or "No" and running to the side of the room that matches their decision.

This activity helps children practise decision-making in a safe, supportive environment.

How to play

1. Set the stage

Label Stage Left wall as "Yes" and Stage Right wall as "No."

Play fun, upbeat music while the children walk around the room.

2. Ask a scenario

Stop the music and read out a peer pressure-related question (examples below).

Children run to the side that matches their answer.

3. Sample questions

Your friends encourage you to play an online game that your parents have banned
Your friend asks to copy your homework
Your friend is teasing someone because they're different
Everyone dares you to do something you know is wrong
A group laughs at someone's clothes - do you join in?

4. Add discussion

Ask children from each side to explain their reasoning behind their decision.

Encourage calm, thoughtful responses and remind them that standing up for what is right can be difficult but important.

What it teaches

Moral reasoning
Independent thinking
Empathy and respect
Real-life application of values

Variations to try

Add "Maybe" as a middle ground and ask those children to explain why they're unsure
Let children come up with their own peer pressure scenarios
Introduce a voting system after discussion

Principal's notes

This game is an excellent way to address tricky topics like peer pressure in a safe and supportive setting. It sparks reflection and teaches children to think for themselves

Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.