By Suleiman Tajudeen
…Continued from last week
CITIZENS COMPASS— Stigma: social exclusion
Mental health issues: anxiety, depression
Academic decline: poor performance, dropout
Future opportunities lost: college, jobs affected
Relationship problems: trust issues
Social isolation: loss of friends
Low self-esteem: guilt, shame
Aggression increases: cycle of violence
Community impact: fear, mistrust
Legal consequences, future job prospects are usually affected.
Prevention of criminal behaviour in schools.
Counseling services: This should regularly take place in schools with parental involvement, monitor and support for kids.
Positive activities like sports, clubs and arts are necessary.
Awareness programmes: There should be teachings on consequences of crime.
Mentorship: Guiding of students.
Skill development: Vocational training.
Community engagement: Local involvement.
School policies: Clear rules
Teacher training: Identify at-risk students
Support systems: Collaboration with non governmental organisations.
Prevention strategies for parents
Parents in Nigeria can:
Monitor the movement of their children.
Communicate openly by talking about challenges, values and risks.
Set clear rules: Consistent boundaries on behaviour
Show affection: Love, care.and build resilience.
Guide media use: Monitor online activity and content.
Encourage sports, clubs and constructive hobbies.
Be role models: Show integrity and be responsible.
Know their friends by encouraging positive peer groups.
Discuss consequences by teaching about crime impacts.
Seek early help (counselors, leaders) if you notice warning signs.
How to manage criminal behaviour in schools
School policies: Schools should set clear rules, policies and consequences.
Mentorship: Guidance
Community support: Involve local leaders.
Seek professional help for severe cases.
Restorative justice: Repairing harm
Family therapy: addressing dynamics.
Peer mediation: conflict resolution
Alternative punishments: community service
Monitoring/evaluation: Parents should learn to track progress
Reintegration plans: Back to school/community.
Nigerian organisations for support
Examples of Nigerian organisations tackling youth crime and behaviour are:
National Orientation Agency (NOA): Runs awareness programs on citizenship, values, and national issues to shape youth behaviour.
Nigerian Prisons Service: Offers rehabilitation, skills training for inmates, including juveniles.
Child Rights Act implementation groups: Work on protection, advocacy for children’s rights in Nigeria.
Local NGOs: e.g., Red Cross (first aid, support), Street Child United (street kids’ welfare).
Federal Ministry of Youths & Sports: Develops programmes for youth engagement and empowerment.
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA): Provides anti-drug education in schools, communities.
Community-based organisations: Local initiatives on youth engagement, conflict resolution.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria: Works on child protection, education, and welfare programs.
Youth organisations: Examples are Nigerian Youth Parliament (advocacy, leadership).
Faith-based organisations: Offer counseling and support for youth challenges.
School-based interventions Effective school interventions:
Counseling units: Trained counselors to address students’ issues confidentially.
Peer mentoring programmes:
Student leaders should guide others on academics and behaviour.
Curriculum inclusion: Life skills, ethics and citizenship to be taught in schools.
Teacher-student relationships: Positive bonds build trust and reduce risks.
Anti-bullying policies: Strict enforcement, awareness and campaigns.
Student clubs/activities: Engagement in sports, arts, clubs reduces risk behaviours.
Parent-teacher associations: Collaboration on student issues and progress.
Conflict resolution training: Managing disputes and reducing violence.
Awareness campaigns on drugs, cybercrime and sexual health among others.
Skills training workshops: Vocational and entrepreneurship skills for students.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation for students involved in crime:
Counseling/therapy: Individual and group sessions to address the root causes.
Skill acquisition: Vocational training for alternative livelihoods.
Community service: Giving back, building responsibility.
Family involvement: Rebuilding relationships, support systems.
Reintegration plans: Back to school or community, with monitoring.
Mentorship programmes: Guidance from adults, role models.
Behaviour modification plans: Tracking progress, rewards systems.
Life skills training: Decision-making and coping strategies should be taught.
Apology/restitution processes: Making amends for actions.
Follow-up support: After rehabilitation, preventing relapse..
References
Adeyemi, T. O. (2019). Youth violence in Nigeria: Implications for education and social policy. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 9(2), 1-10.
Eme, E. I., & Onuoha, C. E. (2020). Causes and effects of youth delinquency among secondary school students in Nigeria. International Journal of Education and Research, 8(5), 123-136.
Okafor, E. E. (2018). Juvenile delinquency in Nigeria: Causes, consequences and control. Journal of Social Sciences, 54(1-3), 1-10.
UNICEF. (2021). Adolescent development in Nigeria.
For questions and medical consultations, contact: Dr. Suleiman Tajudeen, CEO and Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos. +234 803 402 4457
