Levels of prevention against anti-social and anti-juvenile behaviour in relation to early school leaving: summary of a study

The aim of this research work was to correlate school drop-out and anti-social and antijuridical behaviour in the territory of the Region of Sicily (Italy), in order to identify suitable tools for prevention in the various family, school and social contexts in general. The data analysed were taken from a random sample of 337 young people aged between 14 and 22. Through the administration of an anonymous questionnaire, the degree of schooling achieved up to that moment, the year of interruption, if any, the motivations and the presence of any deviant behaviour were investigated. The questionnaires were administered between February and May 2023. The data were analysed from July to October 2023. The Matlab 2022 system was used. In the research conducted, and in keeping with previous work on the same subject, it emerged that males represent the subjects most affected by the problem of deviant behaviour as a result of dropping out of school. With regard to the age of those at risk, a higher percentage was noted in the 17-19 age range with 68% (62 units) present, followed by 21% (19 units) with 14-16 years, and finally 11% with an age of 20-22 years. This figure is worrying because the behaviour that is dangerous and in many cases highly deviant occurs in an age group that is very important for the development of tomorrow's adults (age 17-19). The data obtained call for serious reflection and work aimed both at prevention and at motivating and stimulating young people, assessing together with them the causes that lead them to choose as their 'best strategy' that of leaving school forever and never returning.