RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA EXPOSURE AND RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
This study assessed the relationship between social media exposure and risky sexual behaviour among secondary school students in Kajiado County, Kenya. A sample size of 2,584 participants, including 39 principals, 74 teacher counselors, and 2,471 students, was selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, with data collected through questionnaires administered to students, principals, and teacher counselors. Data analysis involved both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that 62.6% of students believed social media accessibility exposed adolescents to risky sexual behaviours, while only 9.4% reported having engaged in sexual intercourse. Additionally, 87% of students had attended intervention strategies on responsible social media use. The study concluded that there is significant exposure to sexual content on social media among secondary school students, and while most students are not engaging in sexual intercourse, some risky behaviours exist. Social media sexual content was associated with increased risky sexual behaviour, and schools are implementing various intervention strategies, though their effectiveness requires further evaluation. The research recommends that developing age-appropriate and culturally sensitive intervention strategies, strengthening parental guidance and involvement, implementing comprehensive sexuality education programs integrated with digital literacy, fostering collaborations between schools, parents, and community organizations, and regularly evaluating and adapting intervention strategies to address the evolving challenges of social media use among adolescents.
Keywords: Social Media Exposure, Risky Sexual Behaviour, Secondary School Students
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