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In So Many Words

Teens are often pressured by their friends to take part in high-risk behaviors. Refusal skills, the strategies used to say no to unsafe behavior, are an important health tool for teens.

Directions: Read the conversations below. In the space provided, identify the refusal strategy being used. Then make a suggestion for one other refusal strategy that may also be effective in this situation.

Justin: “Come on! Don’t you want to have a smoke with me? What’s your problem?” Mike: “I’m leaving now. You won’t listen, and I’m done discussing it.”

Refusal strategy: Possible suggestion:

Tasha: “We’re going to be late unless we take the shortcut on the train tracks. Let’s go!” Ebony: “No. I don’t want to take the risk of walking on the tracks.”

Refusal strategy: Possible suggestion:

Brad: “It’s just one drink, and it’s only beer. Why won’t you have some?”
Keiko: “I don’t drink alcohol. It’s against the law and against my family’s beliefs.”

Refusal strategy: Possible suggestion: