INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN AWKA SOUTH GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the influence of social media on cognitive development of primary school pupils in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Four research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study. Population of the study comprised of 2209 primary 6 pupils in the 45 public primary schools in Awka South Local Government Area (ASUBED, 2024). The sample size was 150 primary six pupils selected through the use of simple random sampling technique. The research instrument for the study is a questionnaire titled “Influence of Social Media on Pupils Cognitive Development Questionnaire” (ISMPCDQ). The validated instrument contained three clusters with 20 items that sought information required to answer the research questions. The internal consistencies of the items in the clusters were determined using Cronbach Alpha Method and an overall coefficient of 0.76 was obtained. Data obtained was analyzed using mean. The findings revealed that social media has negative influence on sensory motor development, pre-operational development, concrete operational development, formal operational development of primary school pupils in Awka South Local Government Area. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that parents, educators, and caregivers should set strict limits on social media usage, designating screen-free zones and encouraging physical activity and outdoor play. This ensures pupils engage in activities promoting sensory integration, motor skills, and cognitive development.