A case study of child delinquency in selected schools in Kisii central district

Abstract

The main objective of this research project was to find out delinquent behaviours in various categories of primary schools. The study also aimed at comparing delinquent behaviours between female and male primary school pupils. The third purpose of the study was to find out how teachers deal with delinquent behaviours in primary schools and finally recommend on the basis of the research findings, the possible improvements in the handling of primary schools delinquents who manifest behaviour problems.

The study was carried out in 10 primary schools in and around Kisii town in Kisii central District. It involved 100 pupils and 30 teachers. Two types of questionnaires were used as study instruments; one for pupils and the other for teachers. The questionnaires were given and collected by the researcher herself.

The following are the research findings (a). Primary school pupils and primary school teachers agree that there are delinquent behaviours in primary schools but perceive some as common and some as rare. School problems, sex problems, theft problems and appearance problems as common while drug problems are considered as very rare in primary schools. (b). Drug and appearance problems are considered as common among boys while sex problems are considered as a common problem among girls. (c). Boarding schools are not experiencing much trouble concerning drugs, appearance and sex problems as compared to day schools where these problems are common. (d). The methods used in dealing include suspensions incase of boarding schools, caning, sending for parents, buying a new item of the same kind as one stolen, scolding in the presence of other pupils, giving manual punishments, expelling cases that seem extreme and engaging guidance and counseling programmes to rehabilitate the delinquents.