EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE PATTERNS AND CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL ENGAGEMENT IN DISTRICT ATTOCK, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Social media has become more prevalent in the lives of school-age children and has influenced the ways in which children communicate, access information and participate in learning activities. While social media can aid in generating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and access to learning resources, its excessive or inappropriate use may have negative impacts on students' academic participation and learning outcomes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between how social media is used and educational engagement and achievement of children in District Attock, Pakistan. To explore the correlation between the use of social media and the educational outcomes of students, a quantitative, descriptive correlational research design was used. The study was carried out on students of public & private schools of District Attock from 10-18 years age. The number of 200 students' data was obtained by purposive sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used for collecting data. Responses were on a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistical methods, Pearson correlation, and Multiple Linear Regression analysis were used in SPSS to analyze these data. The results show that social media tools can be used as learning facilitation if used appropriately to help the students' learning process. Social media tools can help students' learning process well by allowing them to communicate, collaborate, and access learning materials. The research findings suggest that the following factors could have a positive effect on students' educational engagement and performance: increasing the educational use of social media, parental supervision, digital illiteracy, and responsible use of the internet. These results have implications for educators, parents, school leaders, and policymakers looking to leverage the educational opportunities and mitigate the possible harms of social media.