INFLUENCE OF MEDIA ON IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS’ DELINQUENT BEHAVIOURS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARA STATE

Abstract

The growing prevalence of delinquent behaviours among adolescents in Nigerian secondary schools has become a significant and pressing concern, with far-reaching implications for both individual development and societal well-being. This study investigated the influence of media on in-school adolescents' delinquent behaviours in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a sample of 240 adolescents selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using “Media Influence and Adolescents Delinquent Behaviours Questionnaire” with a reliability coefficient of 0.83. The findings reveal that media has a significant influence on adolescent delinquent behaviours, with no significant differences observed based on gender, age, or class level. This suggests that media impacts all adolescents equally across these demographic factors. Based on these findings, it was recommended that parents, educators, and policymakers promote media literacy among adolescents. Schools should integrate media education into the curriculum and establish policies that encourage healthy media consumption. Parents should regulate media exposure, and community organizations should create platforms for adolescents to discuss media experiences. Public awareness campaigns should address the developmental needs of adolescents, offering consistent guidance on media management.