Effects of Child Abuse on Pupils’ Education in Primary Schools in Longido District Council, Tanzania

The study focused on the effects of child abuse on pupils’ education in primary schools in Longido district council, Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to find out the extent to which child abuses affect the completion of primary education and determine the possible strategies to eliminate the effects of child abuse on the completion of primary education. Family system theory & Interpretivism philosophy guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were gathered through a questionnaire and interpopulation of 1051 & s 136 sample size, which included pupils, teachers, head teachers, parents & DEO were randomly and purposively selected. The research experts validated the instruments to determine content validity. Reliability of the teacher’s questionnaire was determined by conducting a pilot study, and the data were tested using the Guttmann Split-Half method and correlated at r = 0.887. Credibility & dependability of qualitative data were established through detailed reporting of the research process, peer debriefing, and triangulation. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 23, and results were presented in tables of frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and presented by direct quotation. The findings revealed that child abuse, particularly psychological maltreatment and emotional neglect, is strongly associated with low self-esteem that disrupts learning and motivation. Sexual abuse frequently leads to early pregnancy, mental health harm, school withdrawal, and dropout. Also, corporal punishment by teachers causes fear, avoidance, and withdrawal. In conclusion, a safer school climate increases engagement and trust in education. The study recommended the need to educate society about child abuse to minimise and eradicate cases of child maltreatment within the communities in Longido district.