Factors contributing to lack of discipline in selected secondary schools in the Mangaung area of Bloemfontein and possible solutions

Abstract

The study is about the factors contributing to the lack of discipline in secondary schools in the Mangaung Area of Bloemfontein in the Free State province and possible solutions. The main aim of the study was to investigate the factors which contribute to the lack of discipline in secondary schools. The instrument that was used to collect data in this study was a questionnaire. The researcher also explained why the use of questionnaires was preferred over other instruments. The results of the study reveal that there are various factors which contribute to the lack of discipline. Some of the factors which contribute to the lack of discipline include: non-involvement of the parents; children, who due to various circumstances, stay at home alone without parent supervision; educators involved in inappropriate relationships with the learners; low selfesteem on the part of the learners; children rights that are over-emphasised, drugs and lack of interest in extra-curricular activities. The results also indicated some possible solutions to the problem of discipline in schools. These inClude: parental involvement in education; reinstatinJ corporal" punishment; the revision of the admission policy; the developmenfof clear policies on how to use disciplinary measures in schools and educating learners about their rights and responsibilities. The following recommendations to reduce disciplinary problems were made by th~ researcher: Motivation and empowerment of educators; involvement of parents; ending inappropriate relationships between the educators and the learners; involving the police in fighting gangsterism in schools; involving counsellors and social workers on the issue of substance abuse in schools; teaching children about their rights and reducing the large number of learners in overcrowded classes.