IMPACT OF PEER INFLUENCE ON BEHAVIOUR OF ADOLESCENT STUDENTS TOWARDS ACADEMICS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ILORIN SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE

Adolescence is a time when peers play an increasingly important role in the lives of youth. The study examined the
impact of peer influence on behavior of adolescent students towards academic success in secondary schools in Ilorin
South L.G.A in Kwara State. The Study obtained its figures and data from secondary sources. This study discussed
adolescent as a concept, the positive and negative influence of peer groups on adolescent in relation to their studies
and peer selection and influence processes in classroom. The finding shows that peer groups have positive and
negative influence on the academic performance of students at schools. However, parents who are not well behaved
can influence their wards/children. In addition teachers who are not responsible and not discipline can influence their
students to becoming like them. Furthermore, school managers who are reckless indecision making and taking can
influence students' behavior and performance at schools. The study recommends among others that trained counselors
should be posted to all the secondary schools so as to help counsel the adolescents with negative influences and also
parents should have effective supervision by not allowing other home environmental actors to distract their children.