Influence of Social Media on Delinquent Behaviour among Students in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Bomet County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of social media on delinquent behaviour among students in selected public secondary schools in Bomet County, Kenya. Delinquent behaviour in public secondary schools disrupts the learning environment and impacts students' well-being. In Bomet County, rising cases of delinquent behaviour such as drug use and violence have led to school unrest and property destruction. Despite efforts by school administration through guidance, counselling and disciplinary actions, the persistence of these behaviours suggests unresolved underlying issues. This study was anchored on Social Learning Theory. The research employed an ex post facto design with a target population of students, teachers, school counsellors, principals and deputy principals from selected public secondary schools in Bomet County, Kenya. A sample size of 382 was determined using the Yamane Formula. Stratified sampling was used, in which the study population was divided into distinct population categories. Data collection from the final respondents utilised both purposive and simple random sampling, using a structured questionnaire. The research tool was evaluated for both validity and reliability. The data was examined utilising both descriptive and inferential statistical methods using regression and correlation with the aid of SPSS version 26. Presentation of the study findings was done using tables and graphs. Results show that social media has a positive and statistically significant influence on delinquent behaviours (β = 0.300, P< 0.000). The study recommends that curricula include digital literacy and responsible media use, as these could help mitigate delinquent behaviour among the students.