GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT The study sought to explain if youths’ criminal behaviour is a product of divorce. It employed both qualitative and quantitative research approach and adopted descriptive survey research with a combination of primary and secondary sources of information. The sampled size schools adopted in this study was ten (10) schools and the questionnaires were administered to Ninetyeight (98) respondents, which represents 10% of the total population of the schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area. In each school, the respondents were drawn from each stratum of head teacher, teachers and students. The study discovered that divorce has influence on social development and has resulted in youths’ criminal behaviour. Also, some children affected by divorce have poor performance in school leading to criminal behaviour. The study recommended among others guidance and counselling to help youths understand and adjust accordingly to avoid adverse effects of their parents’ divorce. Also, youths exhibiting adverse negative social behaviour should be rehabilitated with necessary therapy either by individual or by parents to help young people cope with the changes. Keywords: Divorce, Youths, Criminal Behaviour, Nsit Atai Local Government Area