In a recent study by Parent Further, 90 per cent of teens reported feeling peer pressure, with 28 per cent reporting their social status was boosted after giving into peer pressure.

Kids also feel pressure from both teachers and organized activity groups to overachieve and put too much on their plates. Our kids learning how to say no and create healthy boundaries is an important life skill.

Laurie Warren says there are six approaches to helping children start their school year off happier and healthier, including:

Dialogue about "no" and healthy boundaries. Help your child be clear about what is okay and not okay for them, and get comfortable with saying ‘no’ to both their peers and, in some cases, adults.

Rehearse how to say no. It's hard to say no; this is true for adults and even more so for teenagers. Kids can feel supported by rehearsing phrases like, "Thanks, but I'm not interested."

Strategize on boundary-setting phrases. An important life lesson is to learn to communicate clearly and kindly about our boundaries. Help your kids learn phrases like "I’m good, but thanks."

Release the pressure valve. Our Gen Z kids have an immense amount of societal and parental pressure on them to be amazing and successful. Be mindful of how much you may be pressuring your child—even subtly— around grades, extra-curricular activities, college entry, and social status.

Pay attention to your child's feelings. If they are continually talking about stress, feeling overburdened, open a dialogue about boundaries.

Help your child build confidence and resilience. Saying no and being clear about boundaries can be challenging from a place of “I’m not enough.”

You can listen to the full conversation and more details on setting boundaries here: