JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND EFFECT ON STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA-AN OVERVIEW

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JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND EFFECT ON STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA-AN OVERVIEW

Abstract:

Juvenile delinquency poses a significant challenge to societies worldwide, including Nigeria, where it has implications for student mental health and academic performance. This overview aims to explore the relationship between juvenile delinquency and its effects on student mental health and academic performance in Nigeria. The study synthesizes existing literature on juvenile delinquency, mental health issues, and academic outcomes among Nigerian students. Factors contributing to juvenile delinquency, such as socio-economic status, family dynamics, peer influence, and exposure to violence, are examined, along with their impact on student well-being and educational attainment. Additionally, interventions and strategies for addressing juvenile delinquency and supporting students’ mental health and academic success are discussed. By providing an overview of the nexus between juvenile delinquency, student mental health, and academic performance, this study aims to inform policymakers, educators, and stakeholders about the multifaceted challenges facing Nigerian youth and the importance of holistic interventions to promote their well-being and educational achievement.

KEYWORDS

Juvenile delinquency, Student mental health, Academic performance, Youth behavior, Socio-economic factors

Family dynamics, Peer influence, Violence exposure,

Intervention strategies

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile delinquency is a pervasive issue that significantly affects societies worldwide, including Nigeria. Defined as the participation in unlawful activities by minors, juvenile delinquency poses multifaceted challenges to individuals, families, communities, and the nation as a whole. In Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population comprises youths under the age of 18, understanding and addressing juvenile delinquency is crucial for promoting social well-being, economic development, and national stability.

This overview aims to explore the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency in Nigeria and its profound impacts on student mental health and academic performance. By examining the root causes, prevalence, and consequences of juvenile delinquency, this overview seeks to shed light on the complexities of this issue and the urgent need for intervention strategies tailored to the Nigerian context.

The mental health and academic performance of students are intricately linked to their overall well-being and future prospects. However, when confronted with the challenges of juvenile delinquency, students often experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These challenges, in turn, can have detrimental effects on their ability to focus, learn, and excel academically, perpetuating a cycle of underachievement and social marginalization.

In every society, there are sets of norms which members are expected to observe, however, not every member of the society abides by those norms. Members who live contrary to the set norms are referred to as delinquents. Juvenile delinquency according to Ben-Yunusa (1998) initially has to do with children’s offences, misconduct or crime for which, it is thought, they are not directly responsible .Bello (2006) observed that delinquent behaviours have assumed an alarming proportion in Nigeria.

Nigerians are disturbed and anxious as they are concerned about the problem of delinquency in which today’s youths involve themselves. The issue of juvenile delinquency is being discussed on television, radio, newspapers and journals and recently on the internet. This cankerworm seems to survive despite efforts made by religious and moral education teachers to eliminate them through the inculcation of moral values in schools. English and English in Ben-Yunusa (1998) defined delinquency as a relatively minor violation of legal or moral code by children or adolescents. However, no delinquent act should be considered as minor because any act of delinquency can result to serious damage. Juvenile delinquency according to English and English is such behaviour by a young person (usually 16 or 18 years depending on the state code) that can bring him to the attention of a court .In a broadest sense according to Ben-Yunusa (1998), a delinquent act is any behaviour of a young boy or girl that can be objected to by more senior members of a society.

Delinquency is basically a legal and relative term which refers to the breaking of the law of a particular country.An act therefore may make an adolescent delinquent in one country, but not necessarily in another. However, there are certain behaviuors such as stealing and killing that are considered as violating the social and moral norms of most societies.

Furthermore, the prevalence of juvenile delinquency in Nigeria underscores systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, inadequate educational opportunities, dysfunctional family structures, and social disintegration. Addressing these underlying factors requires a holistic approach that encompasses education, social services, law enforcement, community engagement, and policy reform.

Despite the gravity of the situation, there remains a dearth of research and data on juvenile delinquency in Nigeria, particularly concerning its impact on student mental health and academic performance. Therefore, this overview serves as a call to action for scholars, policymakers, educators, parents, and stakeholders to prioritize research, advocacy, and intervention efforts aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of juvenile delinquency on Nigerian youth.

In conclusion, addressing juvenile delinquency and its effects on student mental health and academic performance is imperative for fostering a safe, supportive, and conducive learning environment in Nigeria. By investing in preventive measures, early intervention programs, youth empowerment initiatives, and holistic support systems, we can empower Nigerian youth to realize their full potential and contribute positively to society.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Juvenile delinquency is a pressing concern in Nigeria, with implications that extend beyond mere legal transgressions to encompass broader societal issues. Despite its prevalence, there exists a gap in understanding the specific effects of juvenile delinquency on student mental health and academic performance in the Nigerian context. This knowledge gap hampers the development of effective interventions and support systems for at-risk youth, exacerbating the negative consequences of delinquent behavior.

The lack of comprehensive research on this topic limits our ability to grasp the full extent of the problem and devise targeted strategies to address it. Additionally, the socio-cultural, economic, and institutional factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency in Nigeria remain poorly understood, hindering efforts to implement evidence-based interventions.

Furthermore, there is a dearth of resources and support services available to students who may be affected by juvenile delinquency. This inadequacy leaves many students vulnerable to the adverse effects of delinquent behavior, including heightened stress, anxiety, depression, and academic underachievement. Without proper support mechanisms in place, these students may struggle to cope with the challenges they face, leading to long-term consequences for their mental health and educational attainment.

Purpose of the Study:

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of juvenile delinquency and its effects on student mental health and academic performance in Nigeria. Specifically, the study aims to:

Explore the prevalence and nature of juvenile delinquency among students in Nigeria, including the types of delinquent behaviors exhibited and the underlying factors contributing to such behavior.

Investigate the impact of juvenile delinquency on student mental health, including its association with increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges.

Examine the relationship between juvenile delinquency and academic performance, focusing on how delinquent behavior influences students’ ability to learn, concentrate, and achieve educational outcomes.

Identify existing resources, support systems, and intervention strategies available to address the needs of students affected by juvenile delinquency in Nigeria.

Assess the effectiveness of current policies and programs aimed at preventing and mitigating juvenile delinquency, as well as supporting the mental health and academic success of at-risk youth.

Propose recommendations for enhancing support services, improving policy frameworks, and implementing evidence-based interventions to address juvenile delinquency and promote student well-being and academic achievement in Nigeria.

By fulfilling these objectives, the study seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on juvenile delinquency and its impact on student outcomes in Nigeria. Ultimately, the findings of this study are intended to inform policymakers, educators, mental health professionals, and other stakeholders in developing targeted interventions and support systems to address the complex challenges faced by Nigerian youth affected by delinquent behavior.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

What are the prevalent forms of juvenile delinquency among students in Nigeria, and what are the underlying factors contributing to these behaviors?

How does juvenile delinquency affect the mental health of students in Nigeria, including their levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and overall psychological well-being?

What is the impact of juvenile delinquency on the academic performance of students in Nigeria, and how does it influence their ability to learn, concentrate, and achieve educational outcomes?

What resources, support systems, and intervention strategies are currently available to address the needs of students affected by juvenile delinquency in Nigeria?

What are the perceptions of stakeholders, including educators, parents, and policymakers, regarding the prevalence and effects of juvenile delinquency on student outcomes in Nigeria?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant relationship between juvenile delinquency and student mental health in Nigeria.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant relationship between juvenile delinquency and student mental health in Nigeria.

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant impact of juvenile delinquency on academic performance among students in Nigeria.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant impact of juvenile delinquency on academic performance among students in Nigeria.

Null Hypothesis (H0): The prevalence of juvenile delinquency among students in Nigeria does not vary significantly across different socio-economic backgrounds.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): The prevalence of juvenile delinquency among students in Nigeria varies significantly across different socio-economic backgrounds.

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