School Authorities Research Articles

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Mental Health in First Year Secondary School Students

Confinement was a helpful measure to avoid virus propagation, but social isolation and the massive closure of face-to face activities in educational institutions, impacted negatively in mental health of students, it increased stress and anxiety in adolescents, affecting their communication skills in this significant step of interpersonal relationships, and the search for their identity. The lockdown in addition to stress and anxiety triggered fear emotions, frustration, worrying and anger, as well as changes in driving energy, diminishing interest and desires. This work aimed to analyze the impact on mental health in first year secondary school adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Method: Qualitative and phenomenological research, 25 students of first year from a public secondary school of Mexico’s metropolitan area participated in the study; they were girls and boys 12 - 13 years old. Data collection was through a semi-structured interview, testimonials and anecdotes, in two hour sessions, along a week; research team recorded the interviews, testimonials and anecdotes. A signed informed consent was obtained from school authorities, parents and the assent of students. Obtained qualitative data were analyzed according to De Souza Minayo. Results: Four categories emerged with sub-categories. Category 1: Anxiety crisis, sub-categories 1.1. In overcrowded places, 1.2. To speak in public, 1.3. Facing interpersonal relationships with peers. Category 2: Impaired self-concept, sub-categories 2.1. Deficient self-perception, 2.2 Continuous disqualification and 2.3. Deficient personal objectivity. Category 3: Emotions handling, and sub-categories 3.1 Deficient identification of emotions, 3.2 Deficient handling of emotions, 3.3 Maximized emotions. Category 4: Coping strategies, and sub-categories 4.1 Deficient coping strategies, 4.2 Self-injuries, 4.3 Solitude. Conclusion: In early adolescence and in the post-pandemic context tools to face them are insufficient to develop social skills and coping strategies. Lockdown interrupted their socialization process, and their relationships with peers made them anxious and led them to risk behaviors. In this context alternatives to develop significant learning are needed, based on adolescents’ self-awareness highlighting adaptation, communication, emotional intelligence, creative problem solving and resilience skills.

Why Keep it a Secret? Implications of Disclosure of a Diagnosis of Autism for Children and Families

There is a paucity of research on the personal experiences of individuals regarding disclosure of diagnosis of autism in India. In this case report, we share the journey of a 19-year-old male, who learned about his high functioning autism diagnosis when he was diagnosed at 8 years of age, to highlight how timely disclosure can lead to acceptance and growth. Management focused on working with the child's areas of strengths rather than deficits. The parents were supportive and readily shared his diagnosis with family and school authorities. They ascribed to the neurodiversity view and encouraged their son to take pride in being who he was and not try to be like his nonautistic peers. The latest follow-up was done at age 19 and the child was reported to be well adjusted, had excelled in his schoolwork, and aspired for a career in computer animation. Efforts to focus on the neurodiversity paradigm and reducing negative beliefs should also be targeted to reduce the stigma of autism and increase its acceptance among families and the community.

Prevalence of specific learning disorders in school children in a South Indian city

Abstract Background: Specific learning disorders (SLDs) are an important cause of academic problems in school children mandating assessment and remediation. Aim: To document the psychosocial profile and prevalence of SLDs in school children. Materials and Methods: A total of 981 children studying in 3rd to 5th standard were screened for the presence of SLDs in a stepwise approach after taking permission from school authorities and consent from parents. Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Malins Intelligence Scale, and NIMHANS SLD Index were used for assessment. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi info software. Results: The prevalence of SLDs was found to be 6.1% (n = 60). Dyslexia was the most common SLD (n = 38; 63%) followed by combined type (n = 28; 46%). A significant association was found between consanguinity (P = 0.02) and delayed milestones (P = 0.02). Conclusion: There is a need for creating the awareness among parents and teachers regarding SLDs and to screen children for the early identification and remediation.

Correlation of dental caries status with BMI in school children of age 3-16 years- An institutional study.

The study investigates the correlation of dental caries status with body mass index (BMI) in school children of age 3 to 16 years. Obesity is a rising global health epidemic. Dental caries has been the predominant disorder in modern society. Obesity and dental caries are major health problems with multifactorial characteristics and similar risk factors, such as diet, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating pattern, not enough sleep, and high amount of stress etc. Various studies have documented diverse outcomes linked to BMI and dental caries. A cross-sectional study was implemented on 756 participants. Among the study participants, 475 (62.8%) were boys and 281 (37.2%) were girls. The decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index has been used to assess the prevalence of dental caries. Information of the study participant's height and weight was reported using a standardized measuring scale and weighing machine; after that, the BMI was measured. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the data. The mean DMFT of the study participants in normal-weight children was 2.3. There was a positive correlation between the dental caries status and BMI, with a significant value of 0.27. Diet counselling and regular dental check-ups should be prescribed to prevent dental caries from occurring and monitor children's healthy weight. Balanced nutrition needs to be provided to children by school authorities and parents.

Cluster Analysis of Sleep Time and Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors.

Adolescents are prone to multiple health risk behaviors. These might lead to insufficient sleep, which is inconducive to adolescent growth. Therefore, this study explored the impact of a cluster of adolescent health risk behaviors on sleep time, providing a reference for designing relevant intervention measures. From November to December 2019, a stratified cluster sampling method was used to sample middle and high schools in 4 functional districts of Chongqing, China. A total of 8546 participants were selected for a questionnaire survey. Two-step clustering helped identify the health risk behavior clusters. Multivariate logistic regression models helped examine the association between the different clusters and sleep time. The rate of insufficient sleep was 65.8%. Three types of clusters were identified, namely (1) high-risk (poor) cluster (17.3%), (2) low physical activity (medium) cluster (55.1%), and (3) low-risk (good) cluster (27.6%). The high-risk and low physical activity clusters showed that the adjusted OR values of 1.471 (1.266-1.710) and 1.174 (1.052-1.310) were significantly associated with insufficient sleep (P < .001). Adolescent health risk behaviors were clustered, and different clusters had different sleep time. Schools authorities and healthcare practitioners should formulate effective intervention measures according to the characteristics of different clusters to promote healthy growth among adolescents.

Examining the parental awareness level of government efforts in the provision of free quality education in junior secondary schools in Bonthe municipality, southern Sierra Leone

The aim of this research is to assess the level of parental awareness regarding government initiatives for providing free, high-quality education in junior secondary schools within Bonthe Municipality, located in southern Sierra Leone. The study encompasses approximately one hundred (100) principals and teachers selected from five (5) junior secondary schools in Bonthe municipality, as well as one hundred (100) parents whose children are enrolled in these schools. To gather data, a purposive sampling method was employed for the educators, while a simple random sampling approach was utilized for selecting respondents from the pool of one hundred (100) parents. The findings reveal that the majority of parents lack knowledge about the government's commitment to allocate 21% of the national budget towards the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) promotion. Additionally, parents are unaware of their role in supporting the FQSE program, although they do recognize the government's efforts in providing educational materials. Furthermore, school authorities have not sufficiently informed parents about the government's initiatives in supplying educational materials. Based on these findings, the study proposes several recommendations. Firstly, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE), should organize training workshops and seminars for parents to educate them about the government's dedication to promoting the FQSE program in Sierra Leone, as well as clarifying the expected contributions of parents to complement governmental efforts. Secondly, the MBSSE should provide training for their School Quality Assurance officials on media engagement ethics to effectively communicate with the public about the FQSE program and the role parents are expected to play.

Impact of Inductive and Problem-Solving Teaching Methods on Students’ Performance in Geometrical Concepts of Mathematics among Junior Secondary School Students in Katsina State, Nigeria

The study investigates the impact of Inductive Teaching Method (ITM) and Problem-Solving Teaching Method (PSTM) on the performance of Junior Secondary School two (JSS II) students in Geometry Concepts. The study applied a pre-test post-test experimental design. There are 12 Zonal Education Quality Assurance (ZEQA) zones with a total of 251 Junior Secondary Schools and a population of 300,125 Junior Secondary School year two (JSS II) students in Katsina state. The population comprises of 166,270 male students and 133,855 female students. The strata of 12 ZEQA zones were used and one school was randomly selected from each zone. In each selected school, 60 students were randomly selected for the three classes i.e. 20 students per class which were randomly assigned for traditional (control), problem-solving and inductive (experimental groups) methods. Consequently a total 720 JSS II students were selected for the experimental and control groups. The instrument used for the data collection for both pre-test and post-test was the Geometry Performance Test (GPT) with reliability coefficient of r=0.84. The arithmetic means, standard deviations and t-test were applied using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 to test the three hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The analysis showed that the problem-solving and inductive methods of teaching were more effective than the traditional method in the teaching of geometry concepts. However the result also showed that there is no significant difference in the performance of students taught with the inductive method of teaching and those taught with the problem-solving method of teaching. Given these discoveries, it was suggested that the utilization of both problem-solving and inductive teaching methods should be encouraged in teaching geometry concept and the necessary facilities and equipment needed for their effective use should be provided by the government and school authorities.

Georgii Vladimov: bremia rytsarstva by Svetlana Shnitman-MakMillin (review)

Reviewed by: Georgii Vladimov: bremia rytsarstvaby Svetlana Shnitman-MakMillin Geoffrey Hosking Shnitman-MakMillin, Svetlana. Georgii Vladimov: bremia rytsarstva. Izdatel´stvo AST, Moscow, 2022. 702 pp. Illustrations. Notes. Chronology. Bibliography. Index. ₽1495.00. T hisis a very unusual book, simultaneously a work of literary history, literary criticism and biography. It also has elements of autobiography, since as a child Svetlana Shnitman lived in Murmansk, the setting for Vladimov's 1969 novel, Tri minuty molchaniia( Three Minutes' Silence). Her vivid childhood memories offer an illuminating background to the text. She did not know about Vladimov then, of course, but much later in her life got to know him in her capacity as a literary scholar. After his wife Natasha died in 1997, Vladimov, by now a lonely widower, visited her and her husband Arnold in London and talked at great length. She taped some of those conversations and uses them as source material in her book. The result is a work not only of considerable insight, but also of impressive and moving personal engagement. Vladimov believed that 'literature can and should have an effect on the reality around us; the text does not exist in isolation but comes alive thanks to the passion of its creator'. His heroes are usually searchers who experience a crisis and learn something important from it. For that purpose he presents social reality in maximum detail and reflects the way it impinges on his characters. He took this technique so seriously that, in order to write Tri minuty molchaniia, he spent three months as a crew member with a trawler in the Arctic Ocean, thus fulfilling the recommended Soviet literary practice of tvorcheskaia komandirovka. Shnitman's study is remarkable for its insight into Vladimov's personality. His 'knighthood', highlighted in the title, took shape as a strict code of honour. It originated in an incident of his teenage years, during the time he was a cadet at the Suvorov military school. When Zoshchenko and Akhmatova were expelled from the Writers' Union in 1946, he, together with two colleagues, one male, [End Page 163]the other Vladimov's hoped-for girlfriend Vika, decided to visit Zoshchenko to testify to him how much he was admired and revered by his readers. In the event, Zoshchenko was in a traumatized state at the time, was disconcerted by the visit, and eased them out as soon as he decently could. Their visit became known to the school's authorities, and the two boys were summoned to explain themselves. When it was suggested to them that they had perhaps paid the visit beforethe publication of the expulsion order, hence had not been violating party discipline, they seized on the offered exoneration and agreed that that was the case. Later Vika passed him in the corridor and uttered the single word triapka(coward). Vladimov felt so humiliated and ashamed that he resolved never again to commit an act of cowardice or dishonour even under the threat of death. This iron determination to uphold a strict moral code led Vladimov sometimes to misunderstand or overestimate other people, and contributed to the greatest tragedy of his life, as Shnitman shows. In 1983 he emigrated. He was under pressure from the KGB, but, more positively, he had been invited to become the editor of the émigré literary-cultural journal, Grani. He aspired to make it the leading Russian émigré journal on the model of Novyi mirunder Tvardovskii, whom he greatly admired. He realized that Graniwas attached to an émigré political party, the anti-Soviet NTS (National Labour Union), but then that was no less true of Novyi mir. In practice, though, he found that the NTS was not content to leave him full literary freedom. They tried to force him in a Russian chauvinist direction. If he had known more about the NTS he would have anticipated trouble. Shnitman delves into its history and finds that it had a semi-fascist past, and that it claimed, exaggeratedly, to have an extensive network of agents in the USSR. Finally in June 1986 Vladimov was abruptly dismissed from Grani. At that stage he discovered that the NTS had concluded no proper contract with...

Classical Philosophy in Russian University Journals (late 19th — early 20th Centuries)

The article analyzes for the first time the features of the publication policy in the field of philosophy in university journals published in Russia in the second half of the 19th — early 20th centuries, using the example of publications on Classical philosophy. The author shows that the materials presented in university journals reflected the results of research and educational activities in the field of Classical philosophy, including not only conceptual and critical articles, but also dissertations, act speeches, lectures, historiographic reviews, source descriptions, and commented translations of ancient authors. While the professors of Saint Petersburg, Moscow, and Kharkov Universities preferred to publish their philosophical works in specialized journals — Zhurnal Ministerstva narodnogo prosveshcheniya, Voprosy filosofii i psihologii, and Vera i razum, the professors of Kiev, Kazan, Novorossiysk, and Warsaw Universities published their works on Classical philosophy, first of all, in their university journals, maintaining the authority of a certain university academic school. The article highlights the works by Professors D.F.Belyaev, E.A.Bobrov, A.N.Gilyarov, Yu.A.Kulakovsky, F.G.Mishchenko, V.I.Modestov, Ass. Professor G.I.Yakubanis, who made a significant contribution not only to the study of Classical philosophy, but also to the development of the studying antiquity in general, their research works became the foundation on which the modern study of the history of Classical culture in Russia is developing.

Impact of Social Networking Sites on Student’s Academic Performance

These days, Social Networking Sites (SNS) have become the primary source of communication between individuals. The main focus of this study is to determine the impact of social networking sites on the academic performance of youth. A sample of 309 youth was selected, and the primary data was collected through the questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS. The results were exciting; the results show that SNS is affecting the student’s academic performance. The study further confirmed that most respondents visit the SNS daily for an average of half an hour to more than 3 hours. The study further reveals that the number of active friends increases the youths’ academic performance. Since the study confirmed that the usage had affected children's academic performance, there is an urgent need for counseling and advice to the youths regarding the dangers of addiction to SNS the school authorities and parents. The other factor is that students' time on SNS affects their academic performance, and they cannot finish the portion within the assigned time. Based on these findings, it can be used to propose the appropriate methods for students to manage and balance their time without affecting their academic performance.

Assessing the Challenges of Teaching and Learning Home Economics at the Junior High School Level

One cannot dispute the fact that schools play critical role in the performance of learners. Pupils in school are exposed to the same instructional activities but their performances differ. The purpose of this study is to explore challenges of teaching and learning of Home Economics in Ebuom Municipal Assembly (M/A) Junior High School (JHS). The study adopted a case study. A sample size of 9 comprising of 6 students and 3 teachers. Interview was the research instrument utilized. Qualitative data analysis such as thematic data analysis was used in analyzing the data. From the study, it was revealed that, the environment of Ebuom M/A JHS contributed to the challenges in teaching home economics and students contributed negatively to the challenges of teaching and learning home economics. From the study, it is concluded that Students should be made aware that home economics is for all students. School environment should be made friendly by school authorities to enable home economics lessons to be attractive. From the study it is recommended that the Ghana education service should provide more tools and equipment to schools to improve learning of Home Economics.

Načini reagovanja žrtava u slučajevima vršnjačkog nasilja u beogradskim srednjim školama

The paper presents the research findings on the reactions of victims in bullying cases and the correlations between the reactions and the sex and age of the victims. The research was conducted in the 2020/2021 school year based on a survey of 1,506 students in grades II to IV at 19 secondary schools in the Belgrade District School Authority area. The main findings indicate that the most common reactions of victims are to avoid the bully or hit back, and that most victims do not seek protection. Significant similarities, but also differences, were found in relation to previous findings on reactions of victims in primary school in Serbia. There are two similarities: 1) avoiding the bully is at the top of the list of the most common reactions; and 2) in cases where victims seek protection, they seek it more often from adults than from peers and more often from teachers than from parents. On the other hand, two differences were found: 1) the order of the other reactions on the list differed, with suffering violence being more common among victims from primary school and hitting back being more common among victims from secondary schools; and 2) correlations were found between the reactions of victims and their sex and age in primary school, while they were not found in secondary schools. In relation to schools abroad, the findings are consistent with the fact that most victims do not seek protection, but there are differences in the case of victims seeking protection - in schools abroad they seek it more often from peers than from adults and more often from parents than from teachers, while the opposite is the case in Belgrade schools.

PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN ADOLESCENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS

ABSTRACT: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a form of DM that results from autoimmune destruction of insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. There is enough discussion about the pharmacological management of the disease but its psycho-sociological aspect has not been explored much. Patient with T1DM often experience psychological stress during the first year of diagnosis. , Approximately 36% of patients have some sort of psychiatric disorder in the first year, which may be related to both stress and treatment side effects. The lifelong administration of insulin, a restricted diet and complications from diabetes can cause great difficulties in living a normal life for patients. For optimum survival, psychological monitoring must be done along with medical treatment beginning from the diagnosis. A multidisciplinary team should be involved to assess newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus. The team should include a pediatric endocrinologist, nurse educator, dietician and mental health professional to provide specific education and support for patients. Interaction between parents, nurses, doctors and the school authority must be ensured to monitor the child\'s progress closely. Above all, proper education of self-care must be given so that the child can cope with his/her existing disease and maintain self-confidence while ensuring self-management. In addition, it is important that he/she adapts to life at large. KEYWORDS: Type 1 Diabetes mellitus, Adolescence, Psychological stress, Psychosocial issues, Self management

صعوبات التعليم عن بعد أثناء جائحة كورونا التي تواجه مديري مدارس محافظة إربد من وجهة نظرهم

This study aimed at finding out the difficulties that encounter school principals in Irbid governorate schools during the period of distance learning amid the Corona pandemic from their points of view using three variables: gender of the principal, the school level, and the authority of the school. A descriptive approach, and a questionnaire were used. The questionnaire consisted of (42) paragraphs divided into five themes which are difficulties related to (i) the education platform, (ii) the official letters, (iii) the students, (iv) the teachers, and (v) the administrative difficulties. The study sample consisted of (200) principals of public and private schools in Irbid governorate. The results showed a medium degree of difficulties (i.e., mean value 3.3) for all areas of questionnaire except the difficulties related to the platform which were strong. The difficulties related to the field of "official letters" came in the second level followed by the difficulties related to "students" followed by the difficulties related to "the teacher" and, finally, those related to "the administration". The study indicated that there were statistically significant differences at the significance level (α≥0.05) depending on the gender variable in favour of females; the school level in favour of the lower basic stage, and the school authority in favour of private schools. The author concluded with a set of recommendations.

Assessment of knowledge and practice of selfmedication among undergraduates of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba Kogi State, Nigeria

Self-medication is defined as obtaining and consuming drugs without the advice of a medical practitioner either for diagnosis, prescription or surveillance of treatment. It is fairly common practice in today’s era, be it in general population, or confined to a relatively smaller group of students. Self-medication can lead to wasteful expenditure, increase in morbidities due to adverse effects and resistance to antibiotics. The objectives of the study was to assess the knowledge and practice of self-medication among undergraduates of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used for this study. A sample of 300 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. The findings of the study found that most of the respondents have good knowledge of selfmedication and that self-medication is widely practiced among undergraduates of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State Nigeria despite their knowledge of its side effects. Based on the findings of the study, it is therefore recommended that the school authority need to enhance the level of knowledge on the health consequences of self-medication through seminar and health talk.

A STUDY TO ANALYZE NEED TO INITIATE SEX EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS

This study aimed to analyze the need for initiating sex education programs in schools of Lahore, Pakistan. Qualitative research methodology was used for data collection through focus group discussions and individual interviews with school teachers and students. The study revealed that the majority of the participants perceived a lack of knowledge about reproductive health and sex education among students and felt that such programs should be included in school curriculum. They highlighted several challenges that could hinder implementation of such programs, like cultural and religious taboos, parental resistance and inadequate teacher training. Participants advised various strategies for improving the effectiveness of sex education programs, including involving parents and religious leaders, providing comprehensive and age-appropriate information and cultural sensitivities. Study focuses status of incorporating sex education in school curricula and provides insights into challenges &amp; strategies for realizing programs in conservative society like Pakistan. It is suggested that government and school authorities initiate and implement inclusive sex education programs that are age-appropriate and culturally sensitive.

Approaches to improving management of secondary education for maximum goal attainment

This paper examines approaches to improving management of secondary education for maximum goal attainment in Rivers State, Nigeria. The paper conceptualizes management and secondary education and discusses approaches such as accountability and transparency in secondary school, funding, qualitative teachers, conducive classroom environment, supervision, teacher’s motivation, parental involvement and provision for good school facilities. In conclusion, management of secondary education should involve PTA’s and local community for effective goal attainment. The paper suggested among others that the teachers should be well equipped with relevant teaching aids before entering the classrooms, and the school authorities should ensure that school accounts are regularly audited in an organize manner with a view to sanitize the system.

The Perception of school authorities and teachers in inculcating Islamic values in the National Educational System

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi persepsi penanaman Nilai-nilai Islam dalam Sistem Pendidikan Nasional (Sistem Pendidikan Nasional Bernafaskan Islam) di kalangan otoritas sekolah dan guru di Sekolah Menengah Swasta di Lampung Indonesia. Penelitian kualitatif diadaptasi sebagai metode dalam penelitian ini. Pendekatan fenomenologi telah dipilih dalam upaya mencapai tujuan penelitian. Formulir wawancara semi terstruktur, formulir observasi, dan analisis dokumen digunakan sebagai alat pengumpulan data. Wawancara semi terstruktur diperoleh dengan mewawancarai tiga otoritas sekolah dan tiga guru. Data wawancara ditranskrip. Selanjutnya, data dianalisis secara manual untuk menghasilkan tema. Tema-tema tersebut telah diperiksa oleh dua orang penilai yang ahli di bidangnya. Temuan penelitian ini mengungkapkan bahwa penanaman nilai-nilai Islam dalam Sistem Pendidikan Nasional telah dilakukan selama tiga puluh tahun melalui pembiasaan shalat berjamaah, membaca Al-Qur'an dan Asmaul Husna sebelum belajar, budaya salam, dan program Tahfidzul Qur'an. Mencermati hasil penelitian tersebut, pihak sekolah dan guru hendaknya mengevaluasi secara berkala terkait penanaman nilai-nilai Islam karena perkembangan globalisasi yang dirasakan kuat dan terbuka saat ini.Kata Kunci; Persepsi, Penanaman nilai-nilai Islam, Sistem Pendidikan Nasional AbstractThe purpose of this research was to identify the perception of the inculcation of Islamic Values in the National Educational System among the school authorities and the teachers at a Private Secondary School in Lampung Indonesia. Qualitative research was adapted as the method in this study. The phenomenology approach has been chosen in the quest of arriving at the objectives of the study. A semi-structured interview form, observation form, and document analysis were used as data collection tools. Semi-structured interview acquired by interviewing three school authorities and three teachers. The data of the interviews were transcribed. Subsequently, the data was analyzed manually to generate the themes. The themes have been checked by two raters who are experts in the field. The finding of this study revealed that the inculcation of Islamic values in the National Educational System has been conducted for thirty years through the habituation of prayer in congregation, reciting Qur'an and Asmaul Husna before learning, the culture of greetings, and the program of Tahfidzul Qur'an. Considering the research findings, the school authorities and teachers should evaluate regularly pertaining to the inculcation of Islamic values because of the development of globalization that felt strong and open currently.Keywords; Perception, Inculcating Islamic values, National Educational System

Teachers’ Opinions on the Forms, Causes, Consequences, and Possible Solutions to Deviant Behavior Among Senior School Students in Ilorin, Nigeria

This research examined teachers’ opinions on the forms, causes, and consequences of deviant behavior among senior school students in Ilorin South Local Government Area in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive form of survey research. The study population consisted of teachers of public senior secondary schools in Ilorin South; the study group was comprised of 322 teachers selected from 23 schools in the area using the purposive sampling technique. A questionnaire designed by the researcher with 28 items using a four-point Likert scale was used to elicit the necessary data from the respondents. The tool was checked for content validity and the split-half method revealed a reliability index of 0.68. A descriptive statistical method of percentages was used to answer the research question. The findings revealed that lateness, truancy, disrespect of the school authority, and examination malpractice were some of the forms of deviant behavior prevalent among the students. Also, access to illicit drugs and over- or under-pampering of children were considered some of the causes of deviant behavior, while academic failure, increased dropout rates, increased social vices, and an inconducive teaching and learning environment were thought to be the consequences of deviant behavior. Therefore, the provision of adequate facilities, monitoring of students’ activities at all times, and professional counselling are possible solutions to the problem of deviant behavior among the students.

The Mediating Role of Selfitis in the Associations between Self-Esteem, Problematic Social Media Use, Problematic Smartphone Use, Body-Self Appearance, and Psychological Distress among Young Ghanaian Adults.

Selfie-related activities have become pervasive to the point that they may affect the mental health of people who engage in them. To ascertain this mechanism, this study examined the mediating role of selfitis in the associations between self-esteem, problematic social media use, problematic smartphone use, body-self appearance, and psychological distress among young Ghanaian adults. A total of 651 participants completed a questionnaire with measures on self-esteem, body-self appearance, problematic social media use, problematic smartphone use, depression, anxiety, stress, coping skills, and selfitis. There were direct associations between all the variables except between self-esteem and selfitis. In addition, selfitis mediated the associations between problematic social media use, problematic smartphone use, body-self appearance, and psychological distress except between self-esteem and psychological distress. These findings suggest that selfitis can serve as a pathway by which people who overly engage in problematic social media use, problematic smartphone use, and have poor body-self appearance may experience psychological distress. Hence, there is a need for health communicators, school authorities, and opinion leaders to educate young adults on the consequences of the problematic use of technology, especially for selfitis behaviour. Future studies can examine the factors that predict selfitis behaviour among adults.