Editor’s note: Bulletin Peer Pressure is a column that gives local children advice about the many issues that young people face each day.

Advice is given by “Carrie,” a mystery teen who attends a high school in Daphne, and Dr. Sonya Rogers, a certified counselor.

To ask a question, e-mail bulletin@gulfcoastnewspapers.com. In the subject line, type “Bulletin Peer Pressure.” The column will run on an irregular basis. (The column will run if teens submit questions.)

Q: I have never had this happen to me but what if you are under peer pressure and your refuse to do what the peer decides to get violent?

Example: You do not want to smoke and the peer threatens to physically hurt you if you do not smoke. What is a good way to get out of this situation?

—Confused and Perplexed

C: Dear Confused and Perplexed, you should go to a grown-up you trust — a counselor, teacher, parent or relative — and tell him or her what’s going on. 

Or, if you’re uncomfortable doing that, you should completely cut off all contact with this person. This person is not your friend because a friend would never treat you that way.

Whatever you do, it would be a bad idea to give in to this person because they’re pressuring you to do hurtful and destructive things.

It’s an unhealthy situation. You need to get out of it as soon as possible before something really bad happens.

SR: It is very wise to think about situations in life that could occur and how a person should say “no” if necessary.

Peer pressure definitely affects the decisions people make, even as an adult.

For many people, saying “no” to friends can be quite difficult. It is especially hard to say “no” to someone you really like — mainly because you do not want to disappoint the person.

If you are ever faced with this type of scenario, (the pressure to smoke or take drugs), simply find a smart way to deal with the problem. A few suggestions are:

• Discuss facts with the bully, rather than make threats

• Discuss the risks involved in doing something that can be harmful to your body

• Discuss consequences or dangers involved in smoking or doing something illegal

• State reasons why you must leave the scene

• State firm reasons why you choose to refuse

If you are a friend of someone whom you know has said “no” to smoking, drinking or participating in a drug activity, let the person know how proud you are of him or her for standing up for what is right.

However, if you have friends that are struggling with peer pressure, find a creative, caring way to encourage him or her to make wiser decisions in the future.

Choosing your friends wisely is a good idea. It is easier to say “no” when you have a good role-model to follow.