DETERMINANTS AND PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABAK LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out determinants and perceived effects of school violence in secondary schools in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The study sought to determine the causes of school violence from home, community, and school environments, and the effects of school violence among the students. The study adopted an expost-facto survey design. A sample of 40 teachers from the 12 Secondary schools in the area was selected by random sampling for the study. A structured questionnaire dully validated by three experts and the reliability also established for the collection of data was used. The data collected were analysed using simple percentages to answer the research questions. The findings were used to conclude that violent homes, violent communities, and violent school environment would significantly cause school violence among the students. The effects significantly include bad image to school and non-patronage by parents while teachers and students would feel unsafe for proper academic pursuits. Recommendations were that government and school management should embark on frequent peer education for the students’ good character formation and providing security in schools.