Predictors of School Violence among Children Below the Age of Criminal Responsibility in Ibadan

The study examined predictors of school violence among children below the age of criminal responsibility in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The predictors identified in this study are: school climate, school achievement, socio-economic status, peer influence, neighbourhood influence and social media. The study adopted descriptive survey research design of correlational type. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 300 senior secondary school students were selected from six public schools in Ibadan. Standardized instruments were used for the data collection. These instruments were however revalidated. Three research questions were answered in the study. The data obtained were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The results showed a significant relationship among the predictor variables with peer influence having the strongest correlation with school violence. The independent variables considered in this study jointly predicted school violence. On the strength of this findings, it is recommended that appropriate intervention rooted and targeted at improving school climate, school achievement, socioeconomic status, peer influence, neighbourhood influence and social media should be put in place by various stakeholders.