Author: Gladness Emmanuel Mighay (University of Iringa, Tanzania)
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of parenting styles on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Iringa, Tanzania. The study employed the survey research design with a sample of 100 respondents out the population of 600 students from selected schools. This study used a questionnaire method of data collection. The analysis of data involved the regression analysis. The study established that authoritarian, authoritative as well as permissive parenting styles influenced students’ academic performance. However, each parenting style influenced the academic performance at different rates, the authoritarian parenting being the most effective parenting style, followed by permissive and authoritative styles. Therefore, parents need to be aware of the parenting style they use and opt for the best parenting style, which may improve their children’s academic performance.