A Comparative Analysis of Social Media Usage and Academic Performance in Public and Private Senior High Schools

Abstract

The study comparatively analyzed social media usage and academic performance in public and private senior high schools. The issue of social media and academic performance has been a very debatable topic with regard to its effect. This study further explores the relation between private and public schools in relation to social media use and academic performance. The objectives of the study was to find out activities performed by students on social media, its effect on spelling during examination, and to find out if participation affected students grades before and after using social media. The study used the survey method to solicit responses from two public senior schools and two private senior high schools. The study revealed that majority of respondents from the private schools used Whatsapp and Facebook more often. Also, respondents from the private schools spent more hours online as compared to counterparts in the public schools. In addition, a higher proportion of respondents from the private schools experienced drop in grades as compared to their counterparts in the public schools. The study therefore recommends a strict enforcement of rules in private schools, counselling for addicted students etc.

Keywords: Social Media, Grades, Public Schools, Private Schools, Addiction