A communication expert, Olalekan Ajia, has said that good social media behaviour “can aid the performance of students in schools.” Ajia, a former Communication for Development Specialist at the United Nations, said this on Saturday at the 21st Annual Lecture of Ijebu Muslim College Old Students’ Association (IMCOSA) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state. Th e lecture entitled, “Infl uence of Social Media on Youth Education; Issues and Challenges,” looked at ways of checking abuse of the social media by youths. Ajia said social media could help young people and adults to access informational and educational resources far beyond what could be obtained within the school walls. He, however, said restraint must be exercised on the side of those using social media platforms because of the infi ltration of false information and cyber criminals.
“Social media and social networking sites provide support for individuals to communicate and engage with people of like minds and interests. “Social media spreads information faster than any other media and it has helped broaden the scope of education in the internet age as people are exposed to information beyond the conventional,” he said. He added: “Th e advent of social media has seen more individuals being empowered to make social change and do social good on a community and national level. “Simply put, we have to face the reality that social media cannot be dispensed with in the modern era and depending on its use, could be a weapon for development or destruction.
“Everyone is aff ected as the trend is gaining a foothold on every signifi cant trade of life; so it is an issue of great concern to educational development.” He said rather than negate its use, parents, teachers and authorities have a responsibility in “guiding young people navigate the minefi eld as well as the joys of social media and social networking.” “Parents must strike a balance by engaging what is regarded as ‘tough love’ in the moulding of the children’s development in the use of social media and gadgets.” (NAN)
