Adolescent social crisis: implications for secondary school management in Tigania Division of Meru North District

Abstract

This was a study on the social crisis experienced by adolescents, in particular, those attending secondary school and its implications for secondary school management in Tigania Division of Meru North District. The data was collected from secondary schools in Tigania Division. These included Akithi Girls, Uringu Girls, St. Cyprian Boys, Korama Boys and Athwana Mixed Secondary school. The sample size was sixty-five respondents comprising of sixty students and five principals. Data was collected by use of a questionnaire which had both closed and open-ended questions. There were also discussions among the researcher and the respondents. The study revealed that teachers were supportive to students and responded to their complaints. Again, lack of adequate facilities for academics and recreation facilities and poor food were the most serious student complaints. Further, suspensions were the most commonly used form of punishment. More to that, Guidance and Counselling was available in most schools, The study also showed that, faced with difficulties, adolescents sought advice and other forms of assistance from parents. Thus, there was a need to strengthen Guidance and Counselling in schools by appointing and training more teacher counsellors. Facilities for academic work ands recreation and other extra-curricula activities also needed to be provided. Dialogue and involvement of students in decision making also needed to be strengthened. Further, teachers and parents also needed to be assisted so as to be able to help adolescents who approached them with problems. The study also showed a serious need for good role-modelling from adults. Above all, it was imperative for schools to promote individual and group discipline for good academic performance.