EFFECTS OF MASS MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY ON THE CHILDREN UPBRINGING AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS OF BORNO STATE

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of mass media and technology on children’s upbringing and academic performance in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State. Four (4) research questions and objectives were formulated to guide the study. These include: evaluating the effects and advantages of mass media and technology in the community; determining whether media technology has an impact on the upbringing of children in this computer age; showing that media technology is an important means of disseminating information to assist the upbringing of children in a community; and identifying different ways through which mass media disseminates information and ideas to people. The sample population consisted of 140 respondents selected to participate in the study. A structured interview form was designed for data collection. The collected data were analyzed and presented in tabular form. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that parents pay more attention to their children’s educational studies than other activities. Most children watch videos, play games, and cartoons on their parents’ smartphones. Social media helps in motivating educational activities and also assists in making instructional tasks easier and more accessible to children. The study also revealed that media has impacted positively on the educational system, while the insurgency and closure of schools exposed children to video clips and films on the internet. It was therefore recommended that guidance and counseling services should be made available in all schools, both public and private. Teachers should also monitor the amount of time children spend in front of computers and television, especially when dealing with aggressive and vulnerable children and families.