Roles of Peer Group on Child's Personal Security

Lesson Plan: Roles of Peer Group on Child’s Personal Security

Subject: Security Education
Class: Primary 5
Term: Second Term
Week: Week 4
Age: 10-11 years
Topic: Roles of Peer Group on Child’s Personal Security
Sub-topic: The influence of peer groups on children’s behavior and safety
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Understand the importance of peer groups in a child’s life.
Identify the positive and negative impacts of peer groups on a child’s personal security.
Understand the role of peer groups in promoting healthy behavior and preventing drug use.
Define the word “peer group.”
Highlight the influence of peer groups on a child’s personal security.

Keywords

Peer group
Personal security
Influence
Behavior
Health

Set Induction

Start by asking:
“Can you think of some times when your friends have helped you make a good choice, or maybe led you to make a bad one? How did they influence your safety?”
This question encourages students to reflect on their interactions with their peers and sets the tone for discussing the peer group’s role in personal security.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils should already be familiar with their interactions with peers and the basic concepts of personal security, especially those learned from family and school settings. This lesson builds on those ideas by focusing on peer groups’ influence on behavior and security.

Learning Resources and Materials

Flashcards with definitions and examples of peer groups
Markers and chart paper for listing positive and negative impacts
Whiteboard or flip chart
Textbooks on social behavior and security

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

In previous lessons, pupils have learned about the roles parents play in a child’s security. This lesson expands on that by showing how peer groups—children’s friends or classmates—also affect personal security and behavior. It links with earlier discussions about how the people around us influence our choices.

Embedded Core Skills

Social skills: Understanding how to interact with peers in a way that promotes safety.
Decision-making: Analyzing how peer influence can affect personal security and choosing the right path.
Critical thinking: Recognizing the difference between positive and negative peer influence.
Communication: Effectively expressing thoughts and concerns regarding peer pressure and personal security.

Learning Materials

Flashcards with pictures of peer groups and examples
Chart paper for group discussions
Markers and writing materials

Reference Books

Lagos State Scheme of Work for Primary Schools
“The Influence of Peer Groups on Children” by O. Adebayo
“Safe and Sound: Personal Security for Kids” by T. Onwuka

Instructional Materials

Flashcards with examples of peer influence
Whiteboard and chart paper for class discussion
Markers for writing contributions

Content

1. Definition and Explanation of Peer Group

A peer group is a group of people, usually of the same age, who share similar interests, attitudes, and behaviors. In a school setting, peers are often your friends or classmates.

Examples of Peer Groups:

A group of children in your class who like to play football together.
A group of friends who enjoy studying or doing homework together.
A group of children who spend time at the park or on the playground.
Children in a music or dance group at school.
A group of friends who like reading books and sharing ideas.

2. Importance of Peer Groups in a Child’s Life

Peer groups play a significant role in shaping a child’s social development and personal security. Children learn from their peers how to interact socially and how to deal with different situations. Friends and classmates can support each other in making good decisions that keep them safe.

Positive Roles of Peer Groups:

Support and Encouragement: Peers can encourage each other to follow safety rules and make wise choices.
- Example: Encouraging friends not to talk to strangers.
Promoting Healthy Behaviors: Peer groups can help promote positive behaviors like studying, playing safely, and eating healthy food.
- Example: Encouraging healthy eating habits like eating vegetables and fruits.
Boosting Self-confidence: Peer groups help children feel accepted and supported, which builds their confidence to make good decisions.
- Example: Helping a friend with homework boosts their confidence in schoolwork.

Negative Roles of Peer Groups:

Peer Pressure: Sometimes peers influence each other to make bad choices, like engaging in unsafe behavior or breaking rules.
- Example: A peer group encouraging others to skip school or not wear helmets while riding bikes.
Encouraging Risky Behaviors: Some peer groups might encourage risky actions that harm personal security.
- Example: Peer pressure to experiment with dangerous substances or ignore safety rules.

3. The Influence of Peer Groups on Personal Security

Peer groups can affect personal security in many ways. If peers encourage good behaviors like safety precautions and honesty, they can protect each other. However, if peers encourage risky or unsafe behaviors, it could lead to dangerous situations.

Examples of Positive Influence:

A peer group reminding each other to lock doors at home when playing outside.
A group encouraging safe play and avoiding rough or dangerous games that could lead to injury.

Examples of Negative Influence:

A peer group encouraging others to steal or cheat.
A group encouraging risky behavior like not wearing seatbelts in a car.

4. Peer Group’s Role in Preventing Drug Use

Peer groups also influence whether children stay away from harmful substances like drugs or alcohol. Children are more likely to avoid drugs if their peers encourage healthy behaviors and choices.

How Peer Groups Prevent Drug Use:

Sharing Information: Peers can educate each other about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
- Example: Telling a friend about how drugs can harm the body and mind.
Building Resistance: Peer groups help children resist peer pressure that might encourage bad behaviors, such as trying drugs or alcohol.
- Example: Encouraging a friend to say “no” to drugs when offered by others.

Evaluation

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

A ________ is a group of children who are the same age and share common interests.
a) Family
b) Peer group
c) Teacher
d) Parent
Peer groups can have both positive and ________ impacts on personal security.
a) Good
b) Negative
c) Bright
d) Fun
A ________ can help you make good choices and stay safe.
a) Teacher
b) Parent
c) Peer group
d) Stranger
________ pressure can lead children to make unsafe choices.
a) Peer
b) Family
c) Class
d) Teacher
A good peer group encourages you to make ________ decisions.
a) Harmful
b) Risky
c) Safe
d) Bad
Peer groups can encourage healthy ________.
a) Eating
b) Playing
c) Talking
d) Sleeping
Peer groups can help prevent children from using ________.
a) Books
b) Drugs
c) Homework
d) Food
If your peer group encourages you to break rules, that is called ________ pressure.
a) Teacher
b) Family
c) Peer
d) Good
A positive peer group encourages you to follow ________ rules.
a) Family
b) Health
c) Safety
d) School
Peer groups can make you feel ________ when you try new things.
a) Uncomfortable
b) Safe
c) Angry
d) Sick
A peer group should help you avoid ________ behavior.
a) Dangerous
b) Safe
c) Healthy
d) Good
Children in a good peer group avoid ________ activities.
a) Dangerous
b) Boring
c) Fun
d) Necessary
A good peer group helps you resist ________ from others.
a) Friendship
b) Pressure
c) Support
d) Advice
A positive peer group helps each other make ________ decisions.
a) Bad
b) Good
c) Ugly
d) Fun
A peer group can help you stay ________ from dangerous habits.
a) Close
b) Away
c) Behind
d) Above

Class Activity Discussion: 15 FAQs

What is a peer group?
A peer group is a group of children who are the same age and share similar interests and behaviors.
How can a peer group help me stay safe?
A peer group can encourage you to follow safety rules and make good decisions.
What is peer pressure?
Peer pressure is when friends encourage you to do something you may not want to do, like breaking a rule.
Can a peer group make me do bad things?
Yes, if the group encourages unsafe or harmful behavior, it can influence you negatively.
What can I do if my friends encourage me to do something unsafe?
You can say no and find friends who encourage safe behaviors.
How can a peer group prevent drug use?
A peer group can help children understand the dangers of drugs and encourage healthy choices.
Is it okay to follow my peer group’s advice on personal security?
It’s okay as long as the advice is safe and healthy for everyone.
What makes a peer group positive?
A positive peer group encourages safe behavior, honesty, and healthy decisions.
Can peer pressure affect my personal security?
Yes, negative peer pressure can lead you to make choices that put your security at risk.
How can I resist negative peer pressure?
You can resist negative peer pressure by saying no and choosing friends who support your safety.
Can a peer group help me be more confident?
Yes, a supportive peer group can boost your confidence and help you make good decisions.
What should I do if my friends are pressuring me to break a rule?
You should speak up, tell them it’s not a good idea, and choose to follow the rule.
How can I support my friends in making good choices?
You can encourage your friends to make safe and healthy choices, like following rules and being kind.
Are all peer groups good for personal security?
Not all peer groups are good. Some may encourage dangerous behaviors, so it’s important to choose friends wisely.
How do I know if my peer group is having a positive influence on me?
If your friends encourage safe behaviors, support your choices, and help you feel confident, they are having a positive influence.

Presentation Steps

Teacher revises the previous topic on the roles of parents in a child’s personal security.
Teacher introduces the new topic on peer groups and their role in personal security.
Teacher invites students to contribute examples of positive and negative peer group influences.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

Teacher’s Activities:

Discusses the definition and examples of peer groups.
Lists positive and negative influences of peer groups on personal security.
Leads a discussion on how to choose good friends who promote safety.

Learners’ Activities:

Contributes examples of peer group influence on behavior.
Completes the fill-in-the-blank evaluation.
Discusses FAQs with classmates in small groups.

Assessment

Short-answer questions (10) on peer groups and their effects on personal security.
Class participation in discussing peer pressure and the importance of healthy peer groups.

Conclusion

Teacher reviews key points from the lesson and asks students to reflect on how their peer group affects their safety. Teacher gives feedback on class activities and provides encouragement for students to make safe, healthy choices.