How to deal with negative peer pressure

Peer pressure is evident where people of the same social group try to influence other members to do things  that they may not be willing to do. 

Bobby Ombiro knows all too well the effects of peer pressure and spoke to Wananchi Reporting about his experience:

“I have felt sidelined when I was in a room filled with my closest friends who drink and smoke, "just take one puff or shot" and whenever I said no, they would say that I am acting childish and  I'm not fit to be in their clique. 

When velo was introduced, there was a lot of hype about it and everyone wanted to have their own story to tell. As for me, I have never had interest in experimenting with drugs and have never seen it as a solution to any problem.”

Bobby says that he finds joy in other activities he is a passionate about, such as football and content creation. 

He says not all peer pressure is bad and cites an example of a 19-year-old footballer who inspires him to perfect his skills.

“Looking at my age, I could choose to look at it as if I'm not doing anything meaningful with my life, but I decided to take it as motivation,” he says.

“When you're on a journey of self growth, the people doing better than you should be your mentors, not your competitors, it takes consistency, hard work and the willingness to learn.”

Bobby says that in his group of friends, he has peers that share a common interest in football and they push each other towards greatness. 

He shares how he has managed to avoid becoming a victim of negative peer pressure:

- Knowing what I stand for and being intentional with my personal growth. 

- Learning to say no and not feeling guilty about failing to please others. 

- Whenever I feel like giving in, I distract myself with something that I enjoy doing. 

-Building friendships mostly with people that I have a common interest with

-Whenever I realise that I'm being anxious around certain people, I choose to withdraw.

Bobby said he does not feel the need to dress, speak or act in a certain way to please people, or project a false image on social media.

“Knowing your worth and choosing to be assertive, especially in this generation will make you lose friends and it's often a lonely journey, but I hold on to the hope of enjoying it in future.”

Dr Gladys Nyachieo explains how to identify and cope with peer pressure: “The way to deal with peer pressure is first to understand what it is and its adverse effects.”

“There is need to note that not all peer pressure is negative....some peer pressure is good for personal development and growth to maturity.”

On how to cope, Nyachieo advises:

1. Being aware of peer pressure is a starting point.

2. Get someone to mentor you

3. Communicate with someone you trust

4. Learn to say no to some things.

5. Keep good company...choose your friends well 

6.  Get a hobby or sport to keep you busy

7. Set some boundaries.