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Nicofiends activity

Reason Rumble

A fast-paced team game where young people collect realistic responses, reasons and exit strategies for fictional pressure situations.

What it explores

Peer pressure, quick thinking and making your own choice.
Time
10 to 15 mins
Age
Ages 10 to 14
Setting
Classroom, Youth group, Community setting
Group size
Small teams

Activity at a glance

Best for

Helping young people build confidence and practise quick responses to peer pressure.

You’ll need

Pressure cards, a timer, paper and pens.

Key message

There is never just one way to handle pressure. A reason, a simple phrase, a joke or a quick exit can help someone stick with their own choice.

How to run it

  • Split the group into small teams.
  • Choose one fictional pressure card.
  • Give teams 30 seconds to discuss possible answers.
  • Move around the teams. Each team gives one response, reason or way out that has not already been used.
  • Award one point for each new and realistic answer.
  • A team may pass and return later in the round. No team or player is eliminated for hesitating.
  • Continue until the group runs out of new answers, then begin another round with a different card.
  • Try optional bonus rounds:
    • Funny round: Answers may be funny but must remain safe and realistic.
    • Exit round: Every answer must help the character leave or change the situation.
    • Silent round: Teams show a safe action without speaking.
    • Help round: Every answer must involve support from another person.

Discussion prompts

  • Which response sounded most realistic?
  • Which response would be easiest to use?
  • Was it harder to think when the timer was running?
  • Did humour make any responses easier to say?
  • Which actions could help someone leave the situation?
  • What could someone do if their first response did not work?

Reflection

Ask each young person to choose one response, action or source of support they want to remember. They may write it privately.

Download printable materials

Link To Smoking, Vaping or Nicotine

Young people may face pressure to try smoking, vaping or another nicotine product. Comments such as “just try it”, “everyone does it” or “don’t be boring” can make it harder to think of a response. Practising possible answers before this happens can help someone feel more prepared.

Adapting the activity

Make it Easier

Remove the timer and let teams write down several responses before taking turns.

Make it Harder

Use the funny, exit and silent bonus rounds. You could ask teams to respond to subtler pressure, such as wanting to fit in or seeing something presented as popular online.

Safety Note

Keep every scenario fictional. No one is eliminated for needing more time, passing or choosing not to speak. Offer written answers and let teams nominate a speaker.

Ready to Run The Acitvity

Download the activity PDF or go back to the resource hub to find another activity.

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