Contributing Factors to Vandalism in a Primary School

Abstract

This study aims to examine the family background and environment of students that influence them into vandalism in school. The study was conducted in a rural primary school in Lawas, Sarawak (North-West Borneo) using interview, observation and document analysis methods for information gathering purposes. A total of seven informants were involved in this study. They consist of a senior discipline teacher, two parents or guardians and four students who were purposively selected based on their vandalism record and subjected to disciplinary action by the school. The study found that weak family institution contributed to school vandalism among the students because the families failed to model good conduct and behaviour to their children.

Keywords—vandalism, causes, effects, family environment, primary school