PERCEPTION OF ADOLESCENT ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study investigates the perception of adolescent on sexual harassment in 3 girls school within Oredo Local Government area of Edo state . Four (4) research questions were raised to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study comprised of one thousand and fifty five (1055) correspondents. The sample of the study was made up of two hundred (200) senior secondary students in Oredo local government area, which is 10% of the population. The research instrument used for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire titled “The perception of sexual harassment on adolescent girls in senior secondary schools Questionnaire ” (TPSHAGSSSQ). The instrument for data collection was subjected to face validity by the researcher's supervisor and two other experts from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City. To establish the reliability of the instrument, the internal consistency of the items were Measured using the Cronbach alpha statistical tool. It yielded an alpha value of 0.69. The study used statistical analysis methods including mean, standard deviation, to investigate the perception of sexual harassment on adolescent girls in senior secondary school. Findings indicated that there is level of awareness and perception of sexual harassment on adolescent girls is high. Factors influencing perceptions of sexual harassment were identified and addressed with proposed solutions including creating a supportive environment for girls to be comfortable to discuss and seek help. Recommendations included development and implementation of comprehensive sexual education programs for the needs of adolescent girls . Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that the adolescent girls perceived that girls are sexually harassed in senior secondary school in Oredo Local Government Area in Edo State.