EFFECTS OF PROBLEMATIC SOCIAL MEDIA USE (PSMU) ON PARENTING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the challenges posed by Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) on parenting in Nigeria, while recognizing social media’s positive potential as a platform for knowledge sharing, education, and improved family communication. Drawing from Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the research investigates how excessive and compulsive social media use disrupts traditional parenting practices, neglects responsibilities, and exposes children to online risks. The methodology employs a combination of systematic and narrative approaches, integrating structured literature review and qualitative accounts to explore the socio-cultural and moral dimensions of PSMU within the Nigerian context. The findings reveal that there are dangers to compulsive involvement in social media platforms, it can also enrich parenting by providing access to valuable resources and maintaining family connections, particularly in situations of physical separation. Two key recommendations emerge from this analysis: first, parents should set clear boundaries for social media usage and prioritize offline family interactions to strengthen bonds and minimize risks. Second, policymakers should implement digital literacy programs and promote awareness campaigns to encourage responsible social media use and ensure children’s online safety. The study advocates for a balanced approach to social media use that maximizes its benefits while mitigating its drawbacks to foster healthier parenting practices in a digital age.