Social Studies Education and Combating Drug Abuse and Crime Wave in Schools

Abstract

This study examined the influence of Social Studies Education on combating drug abuse and crime wave in schools in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of Social Studies curriculum content, Social Studies instructional strategies, and values and civic education on combating drug abuse and crime wave in schools. The study was anchored on Social Learning Theory and adopted a correlational survey research design. The population comprised 15 Social Studies teachers drawn from three selected secondary schools in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, namely Secondary Commercial School, Ibekwe, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area; Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket; and Methodist Boys' High School, Oron. Census sampling technique was used, making the entire population of 15 teachers the sample for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that Social Studies curriculum content had a positive and statistically significant influence on combating drug abuse and crime wave in schools (β = .341, p = .028). Social Studies instructional strategies also had a positive and statistically significant influence (β = .309, p = .041), while values and civic education had a positive and statistically significant influence (β = .362, p = .021). The overall regression model was statistically significant, indicating that the three dimensions of Social Studies Education jointly contributed to explaining variations in combating drug abuse and crime wave in schools. The study concludes that relevant curriculum content, effective instructional strategies, and deliberate development of civic and social values constitute important educational approaches for addressing drug abuse and antisocial behaviour among students. The study recommends that schools strengthen the practical teaching of drug-abuse prevention, responsible citizenship, peaceful conflict resolution, and positive social values through Social Studies Education.