The Social Networking among Secondary School Students In Anambra State: Educational Implications For Counsellors

Abstract

The study examined social networking and the academic performance of secondary school students with focus on counselling
implications. It was carried out in Anambra State. The descriptive survey research was adopted using questionnaires as
instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was admitered personally by the researcher to the sample of 2250 SS II
secondary school students selected from the six education zones in Anambra state using simple random sampling
technique.Mean ratings were used in data analysis. The findings revealed that social networking has both positive and
negative implications on the users. Positively it allows students to share information, ideas as well as gain knowledge among
others. Whereas the negative use of social networking is distracting students from their studies. It is recommended that
students should be counselled on the effective and appropriate use of social networking. Parents are advised to ensure that
their wards and children spend quality time in reading their books than chatting on social networking sites. Finally
government at all levels and ministries of education can make policies restricting the use of handset while schools are in
session.