10 Oct 2018

Negative peer pressure is a common phenomenon among youths, especially adolescents, therefore it is important for youths to choose good friends.

This was said by a motivational speaker and consultant, Mr Lionel Nkosi, during a youth empowerment workshop organised by Bokgoni Sporting Club at Mahube Primary School in Somerset, Francistown on Saturday.

Mr Nkosi described peer pressure as direct influence on people by their peers, or the effect on an individual who gets encouraged to follow their peers by changing their attitudes or behaviour to conform to those of the influencing group or individual.

He said young people’s decision-making process could be influenced by their peers, which is likely to lead to bad/wrong decisions that could get them in trouble.

He said negative peer pressure encouraged youths to be involved in such ills as alcohol and drug abuse, unplanned sexual intercourse and crime.

Mr Nkosi also said young people could end up on the wrong side of the law, contracting HIV, in unnecessary debts, dropping out of school and sometimes even losing their lives due to peer pressure.

He advised the youths to choose friends wisely and avoid being easily influenced by peers.

“A good friend will always advise you to make good decisions and he/she will condemn any bad action you take or are planning to take, because he/she loves you and does not want to see you in trouble,” he said. Mr Nkosi added that it was important for someone to satisfy themselves and not other people by following their heart and making their own decisions.

He also advised youth to seek advice from parents, authorities such as dikgosi, teachers, pastors and even social workers before making big decisions.

He said it was important for parents to always understand their children and ensure that they associate with good friends.

Mr Nkosi advised the youth who attended the workshop not to rush into making decisions such as choosing courses and careers unless they had passion in them and are sure they would open doors for them.

The organiser of the workshop and director of Bokgoni Sporting Club, Mr Mothusi Kenosi said his organisation would continue to organise similar workshops to empower Somerset youths on issues such as HIV, substance and drug abuse, career choices and many more.

He said Bokgoni also existed to take youths from the streets, where they may be involved in risky behaviour by making them play netball and soccer. ENDs