Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect on Student Academic Performance in Secondary Schools in Kogi State: A Case Study of Kogi State Central

Abstract

Child abuse and neglect remain major social and educational problems that adversely affect the physical, emotional, psychological and cognitive development of children, thereby hindering their academic success. This study investigated the effects of child abuse and neglect on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Kogi Central Senatorial District, Kogi State. Specifically, the study identified the common forms of child abuse and neglect experienced by students, examined the effects of physical abuse and emotional abuse on students' academic performance, assessed the effects of child neglect on school attendance and academic performance and identified measures for reducing child abuse and neglect among secondary school students. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised teachers and senior secondary school students in selected secondary schools in Kogi Central Senatorial District, while a sample of 200 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect on Students' Academic Performance Questionnaire (ECANSAPQ). The instrument was validated by experts and data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and Pearson Product Moment Correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that physical abuse, emotional abuse, child labour, inadequate parental care and educational neglect were the common forms of child maltreatment experienced by students. The study further established that child abuse and neglect significantly reduced students' concentration, classroom participation, motivation to learn, school attendance, self-esteem and overall academic performance. The hypotheses tested revealed significant relationships between child abuse and students' academic performance, as well as between child neglect and students' academic performance. The study concluded that child abuse and neglect constitute serious barriers to students' academic achievement and holistic development. It was therefore recommended that parents, teachers, school counsellors, community leaders and government agencies collaborate to strengthen child protection measures through public awareness programmes, effective counselling services, prompt reporting of abuse cases and strict enforcement of child protection laws to safeguard children's welfare and improve educational outcomes.

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