Making Safe and Responsible Choices: Pillar 5 of Our Wellbeing Program
At CDL, our commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy environment for our students extends through our comprehensive wellbeing program. This month, we’re focusing on Pillar 5: “Making Safe and Responsible Choices.” This pillar is crucial as it encourages our students to cultivate resilience and sound decision-making skills, especially when faced with challenging circumstances.
The two take away points we will be focusing on are;
Understanding How Peer Pressure Can Affect Our Decisions
Peer pressure is a powerful force, particularly during school years. It can influence various aspects of our lives, from the clothes we wear to the choices we make. Understanding this influence is the first step toward making safe and responsible decisions.
It’s important for our students to recognise that peer pressure can manifest in both positive and negative ways. Positive peer pressure includes being encouraged by friends to study or participate in healthy activities. However, negative peer pressure can lead to risky behaviours or decisions that don’t align with personal values or the school’s standards.
How Can I Help Myself and Others When Making a Tough Decision?
Making tough decisions is a part of life, but you don’t have to face them alone. Helping oneself and others through difficult choices is about creating a supportive network and developing critical thinking skills.
An example is the STOP, THINK, ACT model:
- STOP: Pause for a moment. Do not rush into a decision.
- THINK: Consider the consequences and reflect on your values and the impact of your choice.
- ACT: Make a decision that you feel is right, after thoughtful consideration.
We also emphasise the importance of seeking advice. Students are encouraged to talk to trusted adults, such as us, teachers and school counsellors, or even peers who they believe have good judgment. By fostering an open environment, we make it easier for students to seek help and advice without fear of judgment.
This Pillar is being led by Mr Manu, supported by a team of students in which Jamil is representing Olympus.
