DELINQUENCY’S IMPACTS ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
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DELINQUENCY’S IMPACTS ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the causes and consequences of juvenile delinquency in Olorunda Local Government Area, Osun State. The specific objectives were to investigate the causes, the acts, and the consequences of delinquency among students in the study area. Four schools were specifically chosen for this investigation. Twenty students were questioned via questionnaire and in-person interview. Data collected was analysed by the use of percentages and frequency distribution tables.
The results revealed that the pupils ranged in age from 14 to 17 years, that 55% were females and 45% were males, and that only Muslims and Christians were present.
The causes of delinquency among the students were found to be family background, influence of peer group, teachers’ attitudes to students, teachers’ attitudes to work, mass media, and government policies.
Among the acts of delinquency committed by students were tardiness to school, fighting on school grounds, gossiping about other students, arrogance towards teachers, disrespect for teachers, laziness in schoolwork, unexcused absences from school, and running away from school or missing classes while in school, among others.
Failure of students which leads to social vices such as stealing and drug abuse, students dropping out of school, tarnishing the image of the family from which such students come, tarnishing the image of the school which such students attend, shortening the life of students involved if delinquency continues unchecked, and shortening the lives of the parents of such students due to worry.
FIRST PART
INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
According to Microsoft Encarta Dictionary, delinquency is defined as juvenile unlawful or antisocial behaviour. A juvenile delinquent is a young person who routinely violates the law, particularly someone who has been repeatedly charged with vandalism or other antisocial conduct. Juvenile delinquents are casualties of a society in which doing whatever you want has replaced discipline. They are victims of a breakdown of authority and moral standards in the family, neighborhood, and community as a whole.
One of the most influential authors on the psychology of juvenile delinquency, Burnt, described delinquency as a prime example of infantile misbehaviour. This childish misbehaviour manifests itself through actions such as theft and skipping school. Delinquents are individuals who have violated the law by committing crimes such as larceny, rape, and property destruction.
The majority of juvenile delinquents are adolescents between the ages of twelve and seventeen, who are typically secondary school pupils.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Between infancy and adolescence, physical, intellectual, social, and emotional changes occur, according to Thompson (2006). Although individuals change throughout their lives, developmental changes in childhood are particularly dramatic. During this time, a neonate who is dependent and vulnerable develops into a capable adolescent who has mastered language, is self-aware, can think and reason with sophistication, has a distinct personality, and can socialise with ease. Numerous abilities and traits acquired during infancy endure a lifetime.
The problem of student delinquency has generated a great deal of societal concern. It has been on the rise in society daily. Numerous individuals, including psychologists, parents, instructors, academics, professors, and the government, have pondered its ills and remedies.
The decline in educational standards is largely attributable to the negative effects of juvenile delinquency on adolescent development. It should be kept in mind, however, that antisocial behaviours such as cheating, stealing, bullying, smoking, lying, truancy, etc., are not only deviant but also exceedingly delinquent in the sense that they have a negative impact on the students’ social, moral, academic, and spiritual development. Many juvenile delinquents mature into irresponsible or criminal adults.
1.3 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In light of the analysis of delinquency among secondary school pupils, the study posed and answered the following research questions:
What are the root factors of student delinquency?
What types of delinquent behaviour are observed among the students?
What influence does delinquency have on the academic performance of students?
What effects does delinquency have on schools, families, society, and the lives of the affected students?
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study aimed to investigate the causes, acts, and consequences of delinquency among students in Olorunda Local Government Area, Osun State. The particular goals were to
Examine the causes of student delinquency, identify the acts committed by delinquent students, and assess the effects of student delinquency in the Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State.
1.5 Justification for the Research
This study was designed to investigate the causes, acts, and consequences of delinquency among students in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State. The results of this study will enlighten teachers and parents about the various acts committed by delinquent students, as well as the causes and effects of delinquency among students, so that they can control such students and mould them into better citizens who will contribute to the nation’s future development.
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This investigation was limited by the time required to collect information from respondents. As a representation of the secondary school student population in the study area, a small number of students were sampled from various Local Government institutions.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERM
According to the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, delinquency refers to illicit or antisocial behaviour. It is a shift in students’ attitudes towards delinquent behaviours such as theft, lying, and fighting.
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