Self reported delinquent behaviours among students in selected secondary schools in Getembe Division, Kisii District, Kenya

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to establish the influence of social-economic background on students' delinquency among 15-18 year old secondary school students in Getembe Division, of Kisii District. A sample of 80 form III students was selected by use of simple random procedures. The researcher administered the questionnaire personally. The study used an ex-post factor research design and the instrument used was an anonymous questionnaire. The subjects answered questions on their parents/guardians' average income, educational background and occupation. The independent variables in the study were the subjects' socio-economic backgrounds, gender and age while the dependent variables were the delinquent behaviours. Further data analysis, independent t-test was performed 0.005 at significant level. Chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. It is hoped that these research findings will help in informing planners and policy-makers in the formation of viable policy guidelines towards solving the problem of delinquency in schools. Educational administrators, school authorities and teachers in charge of guidance and counselling could use these findings to plan and employ appropriate interventions in helping to prevent the problem of indiscipline in schools.