The impact of social networking on high school learners academic performance in rural areas : a case study of Ligege Secondary School

Abstract

The increased use of Social networking websites has become an international Phenomenon in the past several years. Most people spend most of their time on social networking. Different studies on the impact of social networking on academic Performance of tertiary students have been done, but none focused on secondary learners in rural areas. This study adopted a quantitative and qualitative approach in Which 100 Grade 10 learners were purposively sampled to respond toa questionnaire and to participate in a focus group interview. The study found that learners are spendinga lot of their time on social networking sites. The study also found that learners do not discuss educational matters and have no boundaries while on social networks. Learners are addicted to social networks, and that is negatively affecting them in their studies. It is recommended that age restrictions should be placed on social networks sites, and parental guidance should be provided to help learners.