CYBER DEVIANCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABIA STATE

Abstract

This study examined cyber deviance and academic performance of students in public senior secondary schools in Abia state. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the impact of cyber deviance on academic performance of students in public senior secondary schools in Abia state. The study was anchored on social learning theory as propounded by Albert Bandura in 1977.The study utilized qualitative and descriptive research approach where secondary sources of data were used. A sample of 400 students was used, which was derived from the total population of 185, 146 senior secondary school students using Taro Yamane population determination formula. The study revealed that, cyber bullying, cyber stalking, pornography, data piracy, among others are various forms of cyber deviance. The study also revealed that some of the causes of cyber deviance includes; family pattern, peer pressure, excessive use of social media among others and that all impact academic performance negatively, hence, the study recommends that, adequate monitoring of on-line students’ activities by parents and proper legislation against the cyber deviance among others should be enacted.