The decline of ethical values among children in contemporary society: The case of Morogoro municipality

This study investigates the decline of ethical values among children in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania, aiming to explore its underlying causes, societal impacts, and possible interventions. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions involving 75 participants including teachers, parents, and students. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings indicate that the erosion of children's ethical behavior is primarily driven by three interconnected factors: the pervasive influence of media and technology, peer pressure, and weak parental involvement. Media platforms, particularly social media and digital entertainment, were found to expose children to content that often glamorizes unethical conduct, weakening traditional moral frameworks. Peer influence emerged as a strong social force, often encouraging behaviors such as dishonesty, disrespect, and academic misconduct, especially during adolescence. Therefore; limited parental engagement in moral instruction, due to time constraints or overreliance on schools, further contributes to value deterioration. The impacts of ethical decline are evident in both academic underperformance and deteriorating social relationships, as well as in the broader school climate, which suffers from reduced trust and cooperation. However, the study also reveals optimism among stakeholders for meaningful interventions. Recommendations include the integration of moral education into school curricula, teacher training programs focused on ethical development, and improved home-school collaboration to reinforce shared values. These findings underscore the urgent need for multi-stakeholder efforts to restore and strengthen ethical foundations among children in contemporary Tanzanian society.