Tag Archives: Social Development

SOCIAL MEDIA AND CHILDREN’S SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON CHILDREN’S SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN KADUNA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE

ABSTRACT

The study examined Influence of Social Media on Children’s Social Development in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Objectively, three research questions were formulated. The survey design was used in the study. The sample size was 152. 152 questionnaires were administered to the respondents and returned answered correctly. So 152 questionnaires were used in the study. The data gathered were analysed using simple percentage frequency and mean. The findings revealed that the types of social media networking sites frequently used by children in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State are Facebook, twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, and messenger; the positive influence of social media on children’s social development in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State are that social media platforms encourage children to communicate with peers and family members, which can help improve their written communication skills; social media can help children get connected with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures; social media allows children to showcase their creativity and talents; social media helps children to have access to educational content; children can access research material; children can access tutorial; and that social media can raise awareness about important social issues; the negative influence of social media on children’s social development in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State are that social media exposes children to pornography; engaging in academic forums on yahoo reduces rate of understanding; social media can contribute to increased levels of and loneliness among children and adolescents; social media can contribute to increased levels of anxiety and depression among children and adolescents; the use of social media late at night can disrupt sleep patterns in children; excessive time spent on social media may reduce the time children spend on physical activities; and that excessive social media use can be a distraction from schoolwork and academic responsibilities. Based on the findings, conclusion was drawn and recommendations given that parents and teachers should monitor what teenagers and youth of school age are doing with their mobile phones; parents, guidance/teachers should ensure that teenagers and youth exposure to social media is for basically academic purpose.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The introduction of digital technology into children’s daily life interferes with numerous developmental milestones that kids should reach. Their daily activities are made simpler and more effective by technology. Television, the internet, video games, iPods, iPads, and other entertainment technology have developed so quickly that families are essentially ignorant of the enormous influence and lifestyle changes in their families (Rowan, 2017). Even young children are now able to utilize goods of technical complexity due to the sophistication and simplicity of operation of technology. In the process of learning numerous things, technology brings ease and diversity. Technology that allows for sound and visual stimuli at the same time makes children able to learn many things at a time. Especially since the advent of multifunctional smartphones with more affordable prices has resulted in more people being able to have them, even in certain families, gadgets may have been owned by schoolchildren ranging from elementary to middle and high school, including those who are still under five (Alia Tesa and Irwansyah, 2018).

Social media can have both positive and negative effects on the social and emotional development of children. On the positive side, it provides opportunities for socialization, helping children connect with friends and family, fostering relationships, and allowing for emotional expression. However, it also exposes children to cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and the fear of missing out, which can lead to negative emotional outcomes such as anxiety and low selfesteem. The impact of social media on the cognitive development of children is multifaceted. While it can offer access to educational content and diverse information sources, excessive screen time and potential distractions can hinder attention spans and academic performance (Kowalski et al. 2018). It’s crucial to strike a balance between utilizing social media for learning and ensuring children do not become overwhelmed by its distractions. Children’s use of social media and their physical development are mostly impacted by screen time and sedentary behavior. A sedentary lifestyle, which can result in health problems including obesity, can be facilitated by prolonged usage of social media. Furthermore, late-night use might interfere with sleep cycles, which has an impact on both physical health and cognitive performance (Lenhart, 2019). Supporting children’s physical development requires promoting physical exercise and sound sleep practices while judiciously regulating screen time. Social media may have an impact on how kids behave. It gives people the confidence to take part in action and advocacy, which helps to advance good social change (Perloff, 2018). However, exposure to harmful content or interactions can lead to risky behaviors. Therefore, it is against the background that the study seeks to examine the influence of social media on children’s development in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Children all across the world use social media extensively and they play a significant role in children’s daily life. Many kids begin using social media at a young age, which raises questions about whether these platforms are suitable for kids their age and what impact using them could have on their development at a crucial juncture. Children that use social media may run into a variety of hazards. Research indicates that dangers commonly cluster together, worsening with usage and rendering some more vulnerable than others. In practice, such risks might not always be so clearly distinguished. According to research, children frequently come across harmful content such as cyber hate, information about eating disorders, sexual content, and misinformation. A large portion of this content is influenced by algorithm-based recommendation systems that support the way that content is presented to users on social media platforms. Children may also experience unwelcome communication from adults who are not on their friends list or social network, who may pose serious risks by making extortion and exploitation threats. While studies reveals that children are not always aware of the hazards they may encounter or have the abilities to discern the dangers posed by strangers approaching them, children frequently exhibit confidence in their own capacity to handle such risks when forming new relationships online. Children face particular risks at a formative stage of their development through persistent experiences of bullying in social media environments. Experiences of cyberbullying are commonplace and remain among the most reported topics to helplines. Online bullying is a complex phenomenon that brings together many of the risks considered in the study, including harassment, sharing images without consent, and increased vulnerability to harmful content. The combination of risks may also be especially impactful for certain children at key formative stages. Research shows that support needs to be targeted at the most vulnerable and that support from family and peers, as well as school-based programs that support social emotional learning, mentoring, and education on online safety, can play a positive role. Further aspects of the risks considered include the many wide ranging challenges that children face as a result of the commercialized environment of social media. Children encounter issues such as unfair practices, clickbait strategies, and hidden marketing practices that contravene their rights and are not in their best interests. Research shows that children are often ill prepared with low levels of awareness of commercial practices and lack the critical skills to disaggregate marketing content in the context of their experience of social media.

Social media can have some positive effects on child development when used responsibly and in moderation. It’s important for parents and caregivers to guide and monitor a child’s social media usage to ensure these benefits are maximized.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to examine the influence of social media on children’s social development in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The specific objectives are to:

Find out the types of social media networking sites frequently used by children in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Examine the positive influence of social media on children’s social development in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Determine the negative influence of social media on children’s social development in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions guided the study:

What are the types of social media networking sites frequently used by children in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State?
What is the positive influence of social media on children’s social development in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State?
What is the negative influence of social media on children’s social development in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to the teachers, parents and students in tertiary institution.

This study will help the teachers to know the impact that social media has on their students in tertiary institution, so as to assist them to enlighten and create awareness to the students in tertiary institution on the possible impact it has on them.

The study is of significance to parents in the sense that they will know the possible effects these social media usage have on their children, so as to serve as watch-dog to their children on the usage of the social networking site.

The study will enable the children so that they will be aware that, apart from the social benefits of this social networking site, using the sites more than necessary will pose possible dangers to their health. It will be relevant in assisting students in tertiary institution in understanding the diversity of social media. It will provide relevance material for researchers undertaking similar research. The study will help researchers with more information on the Impact of social media on children’s social development.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study covers Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna. As an academic exercise, the study focuses on the influence of social media on children’s social development in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna. The study also focuses on the types of social media frequently used by children.

1.7 Operational Definitions of Key Terms

Children: Human beings between the ages of 10 and 25 years. They can be referred to as adolescents and Children in content of this study.

Computer: A computer is a machine that receives or stores or process data quickly according to a stored program (Wikipedia, 2020).

ICT: Information and Communication Technology (Wikipedia, 2020).

Influence: Impact or Effect

Media: Are all those media technologies that are intended to reach a large audience by mass communication. “They are messages communicated through a mass medium to a number of people (Webster Dictionary, 2019).

Social Development: Children learning the values, knowledge and skills that enable them to relate to others.

Social Media: Social media are interactive technologies that facilitate the creation, sharing and aggregation of content, ideas, interests, and other forms of expression through virtual communities and networks.

Social Networking Sites: A website where people put information about them and can send to others (Surowiecki, 2005).

THE IMPACTS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

In this research work, the researcher intended to have a general discussion with local government as my background. But lack of space may not allow me for detailed discussion and analysis. However, all essentials part of the impacts of local government administration on economic and social development in Nigeria are discussed. In chapter one, I discussed the background, the problem, purpose of the study, scope, hypothesis, significance and some definition terms. In chapter two, contains literature review and review of related empirical research Furthermore, chapter three contains research design, population and sample selection for study, sampling technique, method of data collection, validation of data instrument, reliability of data instrument and method of data presentation and analysis. And chapter four, contains data presentation, data analysis and discussion of results. Finally chapter five, contains summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This study is a modest attempt at a lucid explication of the impact of local government in Nigeria.

Nigerian local government system has witnessed tremendous transformation since the introduction of the 1988 civil service reforms and its application at the local government administrations one of the changes introduced to strengthen the local government is the direct payment of their statutory allocations which was increased from 15% to 20%. In addition, local government auditor was established in each state government to ensure proper utilization of financial resources at the local level to check any misappropriation of public funds. Also all local government now has a common structure which distinguishes them from service department.

Local government at any level has some stand and roles such as the maintenance of law and order, the promotion of economic and social development. They are left with considerable freedom to act as they see fit for the interest of the local community.

From the point of view the governments as agent of development are well placed to help the rural areas to develop. These can be done by investing in social and economic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, electrification and telecommunication. The other essential duties inherited from the Native Authorities include rural and urban water supplies, markets and libraries. We generally regard the convenience list as including those extra amenities which make for a better life in the community, other than those life in the community, other than those which are concerned with fighting discuss e.g. bus and lorry parks. The regulation of handcarts on the streets, community and recreation centers, parks and open spaces, grazing areas and fuel plantations, the naming of streets and the numbering of buildings. These are recognized as automatically the responsibility of the local government. They also help in the service of park control and supply of water, electricity and gas, the provision of road and water transport, and any other trading undertaking that the state government specifically authorizes.

The local government also, take care for a specifically health orientation and supplying of drugs, a midwifery service, to arrange for health visiting and home nursing to provide facilities for vaccination and immunization.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Local government is expected to become more meaningful in facilitating social and economic development at the grassroots level. Central to the achievement of these objectives is the financial viability of this tier of government. This point has been subtly underscored by “Dasuki panel” on local government administration, when it observed inter alia that a good number of local government roles could not be performed at all, due to a variety of reasons principal among which are:

(i) Inadequate financial capacity

(ii) Lack of necessary technical manpower and erosion of functions particularly in the revenue yielding areas by state government – thus reducing the revenue base of the local government.

This demonstrates that success or failure of local government depends among other things, on their revenue base, the fiscal resources available and the way these resources are utilized. However, central to the above is the ability of the local government to generate substantial financial resources which is one of the tripartite goals of every local government in Nigeria more importantly, one is inclined to think that this is the point that can give an impact in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty of Idemili local government. The researcher wants to identify the reasons for the vicarious cycle, and proffer a solution to the above problems.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

This study seeks to look at the contribution of local government development of rural areas in Nigeria using Idemili local government area of Anambra state.

This research also aimed at identifying different factors militating the effectiveness of local government and solutions to those problems identified and it will be offered at the completion of the research work.

Finally, the study makes a modest attempt to fulfill this purpose in the social and economic development of the effective delivery of service to the respective local populations scattered all over the country. It also make recommendations on making local government an effective third tier of government, the development and management of the human resources of local governments and the development of the financial resources of local government. The overall thrust of the recommendation is on how to ensure faithful implementation of local government.

1.4 HYPOTHESIS

The research hypothesis for work will be based on the following:

Do local governments have any role to play in the economic development of rural area?
To what extent has local government administration played its roles in rural area?
Does low morale among the staffs of local government militate development of rural areas?
Is there any constraints that militate against the success of development process of local government?
Does weak financial base hinder the goals of meeting up rural development?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The need and importance of the research is obvious. At a time when local government has come to assume an overwhelming influence on the process of political and economic development.

It becomes more relevant to examine much more closely, the characters and dynamics of this third tier of government and to clarify the major contradictions that have landed to impede its capacity to promote development at local level.

However, a scientific study of this kind becomes necessary especially at this time when the past and present civilian administrations are particularly concern about rural development.

Finally, this study will generally add to the growing numbers of literature on local government affairs, more particularly on the impacts of local government administration on economic and social development in Nigeria and pragmatic solutions offered towards making them more efficient and responsive to the needs of rural Nigerians, its also, to policy makers and researchers alike.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research area and dimension of coverage is based on only the impacts of local government administration on economic and social development in Nigeria and to the staffs, teachers, businessmen and farmers in Idemili local government area of Anambra state.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The researcher is also affected by the usual constraints and problems prominent in similar researchers in Nigeria.

These constraints were summarized below

Finance: This created a lot of problem to the researcher in the cause of carrying out proper investigation of this research, but this was not enough because of other uses in which it is been put to.
Time Constraints: The time available for the research work was very limited with other assignment and preparation for examination has caused a barrier to the researcher findings.
Dearth of Statistical Data and Information: as a result of lack of documental data the research work appears to be some how written for easy understanding.

1.8 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

The following terms have been defined for the purpose of this study:

Local government: This is government at a local level exercised through representative councils established by laws toe exercise specific functions with in a defined area.
Development: Development is a multi – dimensional process involving a re-organizational and reorientation of the entire economic and social system, in addition to improve income and outcome. Its typically involves radical changes in institutional, social as well popular attitude and sometimes even customs and belief.
Council: This refers to the organ that constitute representation of people either elected or nominated.
Social Economic Development: This is a combination of social and economic development. It embraces improvement in not only standard of living and per-capital income, but also high level of employment, reducing inflation, adequate food, high infrastructures, stressing values rather than achievement.
Objectives: These are end results to which an organization or government activity directed objective are hierarchical in nature are determined or formulated by top management of an organization after economic, social and political forces affecting the organization have been apprised.
Programmes; This consists of essentially integrated series of development projects that spans over a length of time.

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