Deviant Behaviours among Adolescents in Schools: Implications for Counselling

Abstract

Adolescents exhibit deviant behaviours in school, at home and in the society at large. Therefore, it has become a serious concern to all stakeholders including teachers, parents and fellow students. This article articulates the behaviours regarded as deviant in schools and causes of deviant behaviours with reference to factors such as: the nature of the home environment, gender, socio-economic status of the parents, peer group influence and residential location. The paper also provides insight on the influence of deviant behaviour on other adolescents in the schools. Finally, the paper identifies various ways by which counsellors could intervene to assist adolescents identify appropriate behaviours and help those with deviant behaviours modify or change their behaviours to better ones.