INFLUENCE OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY ON ADOLESCENT HOME ECONOMICS STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OHAFIA LGA, ABIA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the influence of juvenile delinquency on adolescent students studying Home Economics in secondary schools in Ohafia Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State. A quantitative survey research design was employed to investigate how delinquent behaviors affect students’ conduct and academic achievement. Data were gathered from 133 respondents using a structured questionnaire, which provided a representative sample of the target group. The data were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, means, standard deviations, and t-tests to evaluate the hypotheses on the links between delinquency, its causes, and academic performance. Findings revealed a notable occurrence of juvenile delinquency among these students, with many admitting to participating in such behaviors. The results showed a strong connection between involvement in delinquent activities and poorer academic outcomes. Key contributing factors identified included peer pressure, family background, and socioeconomic difficulties. These elements significantly shaped students’ actions and decisions, ultimately affecting their educational progress and future opportunities. In conclusion, the study highlighted the substantial impact of juvenile delinquency on adolescent Home Economics students in Ohafia LGA. It recommended targeted interventions such as counseling services, increased parental involvement, and public awareness campaigns to tackle the root causes. The study also suggested integrating life skills training into the school curriculum to help students resist negative influences. Overall, this research deepens understanding of juvenile delinquency in this specific setting and underscores the importance of joint efforts by teachers, parents, and the community to create a supportive environment that promotes academic success and personal growth.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Juvenile delinquency represents a major global challenge, especially among adolescents undergoing significant physical, emotional, and psychological development. This stage of life often increases vulnerability to external pressures from peers, media, and family situations, which can result in antisocial or unlawful behaviors such as substance abuse, truancy, theft, and violence. These actions can severely hinder both academic progress and social growth.

Home Economics is a practical-oriented subject that teaches essential skills in nutrition, family management, budgeting, and consumer awareness competencies vital for students’ holistic development. In secondary schools across Ohafia LGA in Abia State, however, juvenile delinquency among Home Economics students has become a growing concern. These behaviors interfere with learning and the mastery of important life skills the subject is meant to provide.

In Ohafia LGA, the increase in delinquent acts is associated with factors like family instability, economic difficulties, peer influence, and exposure to negative external forces. If unaddressed, such behaviors threaten not only the students’ futures but also the stability of their communities. Schools and families are finding it difficult to manage the situation, with serious consequences for students’ ability to benefit from Home Economics education.

The media also plays a notable role by frequently portraying behaviors that encourage delinquency, which adolescents may imitate. Social media further intensifies peer pressure, pushing young people toward risky actions to gain social acceptance. When students are distracted by delinquent tendencies, they struggle to fully engage in their studies and acquire the practical knowledge Home Economics offers.

Given the importance of Home Economics in preparing responsible adults with skills in family life and financial management, it is crucial to examine how delinquency affects students in this subject area. This study therefore seeks to determine the extent of juvenile delinquency among adolescent Home Economics students in Ohafia LGA secondary schools, explore its underlying causes, and evaluate its effects on academic performance and skill acquisition.

The roles of teachers, school administrators, parents, and the wider community are critical in tackling this issue. Effective discipline, supportive school climates, mentoring programs, and collaborative stakeholder efforts can help reduce delinquency and promote healthier adolescent development. Understanding the social dynamics at play in schools and communities is key to designing meaningful interventions that address root causes rather than just symptoms.

Ultimately, juvenile delinquency among Home Economics students in Ohafia LGA demands urgent attention. Effective strategies that tackle its causes can significantly support students’ academic and personal development. The outcomes of this research are expected to offer useful guidance for future interventions and policy formulation.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Juvenile delinquency continues to negatively affect adolescents across the world, including in Ohafia LGA, Abia State, Nigeria. Although many studies have explored juvenile delinquency in general, there remains a clear shortage of research on its specific effects on secondary school students studying Home Economics. Most existing literature addresses broad causes and consequences without adequately examining how these behaviors specifically hinder the learning of practical life skills needed for individual and community development.

Previous research has largely emphasized general socioeconomic and cultural influences while paying limited attention to the role of subjects like Home Economics. Additionally, the combined effects of media exposure and peer pressure on Home Economics students have not been sufficiently investigated. There is also insufficient empirical evidence on the effectiveness of school and community responses tailored to this group.

This study aims to address these gaps by focusing on the prevalence, causes, and academic impacts of juvenile delinquency among Home Economics students in Ohafia LGA, thereby providing practical insights for educators and policymakers.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of juvenile delinquency on adolescent Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA, Abia State. The specific objectives are:

1. To determine the prevalence of juvenile delinquency among Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA.

2. To identify the primary causes of juvenile delinquency among Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA.

3. To assess the impact of juvenile delinquency on the academic performance of Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions guided the study:

1. What is the prevalence of juvenile delinquency among adolescent Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA?

2. What are the major causes of juvenile delinquency among Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA?

3. How does juvenile delinquency affect the academic performance of Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The study tested the following null hypotheses:

1. There is no significant relationship between the prevalence of juvenile delinquency and the academic performance of Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA.

2. There is no significant relationship between the causes of juvenile delinquency and the behavior of Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA.

3. There is no significant impact of juvenile delinquency on the academic performance of Home Economics students in secondary schools in Ohafia LGA.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This research is important for various stakeholders concerned with the education and social development of adolescents, especially Home Economics students in Ohafia LGA. It will highlight the scale of juvenile delinquency in this specific context, raising awareness among teachers, parents, and community members and encouraging timely action.

The findings will clarify the main causes of delinquency, enabling the design of focused interventions. Teachers, particularly those in Home Economics, will gain practical strategies for classroom management and creating supportive learning environments. School counselors and social workers can use the results to develop appropriate support programs.

Parents will benefit from insights on their role in prevention and guidance. Policymakers and school administrators will find the recommendations helpful for crafting effective policies and programs. Ultimately, the study contributes to academic knowledge on juvenile delinquency in Nigerian secondary schools, particularly within Home Economics education, and will serve as a resource for future studies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the influence of juvenile delinquency on adolescent Home Economics students in senior secondary schools in Ohafia LGA, Abia State. It covers the prevalence of delinquent behaviors, their causes, and effects on academic performance. Only students exhibiting behaviors such as truancy, substance abuse, theft, and bullyingwith a history of such actions in the current or previous academic sessionare included. Students from other subjects or schools outside the LGA are excluded.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

For clarity, the following terms are defined as used in this study:

Juvenile Delinquency: Unlawful or antisocial behaviors by adolescents, including theft, substance abuse, truancy, and bullying.

Adolescent: A young person aged 12–18 years, usually in secondary school, transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

Home Economics: A secondary school subject that teaches practical life skills including nutrition, cooking, budgeting, and family life education.

Secondary School: A formal institution providing education to students aged 12–18, including Home Economics.

Academic Performance: Students’ measurable learning outcomes, assessed through grades, examinations, and other evaluations.

Peer Pressure: Influence from a group of contemporaries that may encourage positive or negative behaviors.

Parental Involvement: Parents’ active participation in their children’s education, guidance, monitoring, and behavioral support.

Behavioral Influence: The effect of external factors (family, school, peers, community) on an individual’s actions and choices, including delinquent tendencies.