Factors Influencing Juvenile Delinquency Among Senior Secondary School Students in Katsina Metropolis, Nigeria

Yahaya L.; J. I. Yecho.

doi:10.56201/jbae.vol.12.no2.2026.pg61.68

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Factors Influencing Juvenile Delinquency Among Senior Secondary School Students in Katsina Metropolis, Nigeria

Yahaya L., J. I. Yecho.

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency among secondary school students remains a growing concern in Nigeria, particularly in urban centres such as Katsina Town. This study examined the factors responsible for juvenile delinquency among senior secondary school students. Using a survey research design, data were collected from 384 students across public, private, and community secondary schools, complemented by in-depth interviews with teachers, parents, guidance counselors, and community leaders. Findings indicate that poor parental upbringing and broken homes were the most significant contributors, followed by peer influence and economic hardship. Less prominent factors included lack of strict school discipline, exposure to violent media, and drug abuse. The study concludes that juvenile delinquency in Katsina Town is primarily rooted in family, peer, and economic contexts, and recommends a holistic approach involving strengthened parental supervision, positive peer networks, economic support, and school-based guidance and discipline measures. The findings provide evidence-based insights for policymakers, educators, and community stakeholders seeking to mitigate delinquency and promote positive youth development.

Keywords

Juvenile delinquencysecondary school studentsKatsina Townfamily factorspeer influenceeconomic hardship

References

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Factors Influencing Juvenile Delinquency Among Senior Secondary School Students in Katsina Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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