By Suleiman Tajudeen
… Continued from last week
aids, depression etc.
Social and emotional problems like low self esteem, social isolation are common among concerned individuals.
Legal problems with authority.
Decreased concentration in class.
Increased risk of dropping out of school.
Involvement in criminal activities.
Reputation damage to the individual, family and school.
Potential for future criminal behavior.
Disruptions of learning environment.
Prevention of social vices among secondary school students in Nigeria
The prevention of social vices in Nigeria school requires a multi faceted approach that needs to involve the students, parents, teacher, and the community.
School Based Strategies
Counseling service must be provided by school authorities.
Life skills education i.e. the school must integrate life skills education into the school curriculum like problem solving skills and conflicts resolution.
Peer education programme i.e. create an education group or programs where students can discuss their problems.
Teacher training (train your teachers on how to identify social vices among students and how to address it accordingly.
Family-based strategies
Parental-based involvement.
Family counseling.
Regular parent-teacher association meetings where related topics can be discussed.
Community-based strategies
Community outreach programmes.
Youth educational programme geared towards social vices in the society.
Collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Government-based strategies
Policy development.
Funding for prevention programmes.
Teacher-training campaign by responsible government.
Outline counseling service for the affected students.
Counseling strategies to manage this condition
Individual counseling.
Group counseling.
Family therapy.
Cognitive behaviour therapy.
Insight oriented therapy.
Psycho education as regards the negative effects of social vices.
Supportive psychotherapy.
Prompt referral when necessary for expert management.
Management of effects of social vices
Strict school policies with consequences for bad behavior.
Social based intervention (i.e. school intervention programs need to be put in place for adequate management (i.e. drug abuse prevention programs or anti cult clubs).
Community-based intervention.
Policy and legislative support must be put in place to reduce the rate of social vices in schools and Nigeria at large.
Family involvement is also important (parents should pay attention to the behaviour of their children through adequate supervision.
Provide alternative positive activities for students.
Create awareness and education.
References
Ezeaku, S. and Dunu, C. L. (2024). Role of Education in Managing Social Vices and Youth Restiveness in Secondary Schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. COOU Journal of Educational Research, 6(1): 434-447.
Offor, M. and Arivi, S. S. (2024). Prevalence of Social Vices among secondary school students in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State. Advance Journal of Current Research, 9(5): 24-33.
Olubunmi, O. (2022). Social Vices and Stability of Secondary School Student in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria. American Journal of Education and Practice, 6(3): 72-81.2q
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen, CEO and Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, KM 12,Ojo, Lagos State.
+234 803 402 4457
