Effects of Football Betting on Academic Performance: A Study of Junior High School Students

Introduction: Football betting among adolescents has emerged as a global concern affecting academic performance. Objective: This study investigated the relationship between football betting activities and academic outcomes among junior high school students. Method: A mixed-method experimental design was employed over six months with 300 students (150 bettors, 150 non-bettors) aged 11-15 years from La-Nkwantanang Madina Cluster of Schools, Ghana. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires, academic records, and behavioural observations. Analysis employed SPSS version 26 for quantitative data and NVIVO for qualitative analysis. Results: Students engaging in regular betting demonstrated significantly lower academic performance: 25% reduction in GPA (2.4 vs. 3.2), 16% decrease in attendance rates (76% vs. 92%), 46% reduction in study hours (8.3 vs. 15.5 hours/week), and 27% decline in homework completion (62% vs. 85%). Behavioural modifications included increased restlessness, irregular study patterns, and reduced extracurricular participation. Conclusions: The findings confirm a significant negative correlation between betting involvement and academic performance, necessitating immediate intervention strategies including counselling support, academic monitoring systems, and policy development for students under 16 years.