SOCIAL IMPACT OF LOW-LEVEL VIOLENCE: PERSPECTIVES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study explored social impact of low-level violence in secondary schools within Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria. Qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was used. The population of the study consisted of 854 SSII students of secondary schools in Sokoto metropolis out of which Purposive sampling Techniques was used to sample 20 students based on recommendation in Qualitative design where emphasis is given to a limited or small sample size. In-depth interview guide was used for data collection and its Content Validity of In-depth interview guide was ascertained by two (2) Sociologists of Education from the Department of Education Foundations Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto while for reliability, this study selected three informants and took the transcribed data to them who evaded any inconsistency or discrepancies in the way they identified information within their views and thought. Thematic analysis revealed that students experience both physical and non-physical forms of low-level violence, including corporal punishment, sexual harassment, psychological bullying, and social stigmatization. These behaviors, often perpetrated by teachers, peers, and senior students, have profound social consequences which include low self-esteem, social withdrawal and negative peer relationships among others. The study concluded that low-level violence in secondary schools in Sokoto Metropolis is deeply embedded in school culture and significantly harmful to students' emotional and social well-being. On this basis, it was recommended among other things that, Ministry of Basic and Secondary education in Sokoto and the managements of Secondary schools should enforce clear anti-violence policies specifically addressing both physical and non-physical low-level violence that prevails in secondary schools.