Delinquency Behaviour among Elementary Students of Selected Primary School in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State

Abstract

Delinquent behaviour among elementary school students has grown to be a significant concern for Nigerian educators, parents, and policymakers. The frequency, causes, and effects of these behaviours are examined in this seminar paper in a few primary schools in Ondo State's Odigbo Local Government Area. The study examines how personal characteristics and environmental factors, such as unstable family dynamics, peer pressure, socioeconomic hardship, and exposure to violence, lead to delinquency. It is based on the Social Learning Theory, Ecological Systems Theory, and Strain Theory. Secondary sources and thematic data interpretation were used to collect the data. According to statistics, delinquency shows up as stealing (24%), vandalism (28%), bullying (35%), fighting (46%), and truancy (41%). Furthermore, important predictors were found to include exposure to violence (31%), family dysfunction (38.6%), psychological stress (39.8%), peer influence (46.4%), socioeconomic level (52.8%), and insufficient parental supervision (30.2%). The results highlight how these behaviours negatively impact student well-being, school infrastructure, and academic achievement. As a result, the study concludes that in order to be effective, intervention efforts must take a comprehensive strategy that incorporates community support, parental involvement, and school-based mentoring while encouraging social-emotional learning and strict disciplinary measures. The recommendations stress the necessity of all-encompassing government policies that tackle socioeconomic issues and fortify family and community ties in order to reduce the causes of delinquent behaviour and provide safer, more effective learning environments.