MINORS’ EXPOSURE TO SOCIAL MEDIA IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BAUCHI METROPOLISE

ABSTRACT This study investigates minors’ exposure to social media in Nigeria, with a specific focus on private primary school pupils in Bauchi metropolis. The research was guided by three objectives: to explore the extent of social media exposure among pupils, to examine the platforms most frequently accessed, and to assess the perceived benefits and risks associated with social media use. Anchored on the Uses and Gratification Theory, the study employed a descriptive survey design. The population consisted of 98 pupils in Primary 4 to 6 at Devine International Primary and Secondary School, Bauchi State. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire, administered with informed parental consent and the guidance of researchers during school hours. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used for analysis. Findings revealed a high level of social media exposure among the pupils, facilitated largely by access to smartphones and internet-enabled devices at home. Demographic analysis showed that pupils aged 11–15 years were the most active users, with males reporting slightly higher frequency of use than females. YouTube and WhatsApp emerged as the dominant platforms, while Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram were used less frequently, often by older pupils. Gender and age differences shaped preferences: boys showed stronger interest in YouTube, while girls leaned more towards WhatsApp for communication. Younger pupils emphasised entertainment benefits, whereas older ones were more conscious of risks and safety concerns. The study concludes that social media plays a significant role in the lives of primary school pupils, offering both opportunities and challenges. It underscores the necessity for balanced parental, educational, and institutional mediation to safeguard minors while enabling them to benefit from digital resources.