Social Media Usage and Risky Behaviour Pattern Among Secondary School Students: The Moderating Role of Gender and Location

This study examined the moderating role of gender and school location on the relationship between social media usage and risky behaviour patterns among secondary school students in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. Using a correlational research design, the study involved 100 Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students selected through multistage sampling from five secondary schools. Data were collected via structured questionnaires assessing social media usage, drug abuse, and risky behaviour patterns, and were analysed using Pearson’s correlation and regression analyses at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that gender and school location were not significantly associated with risky behaviour, suggesting that these behaviours transcend demographic boundaries and affect both male and female students in urban and rural schools alike. The results highlight that personal and social lifestyle factors, particularly digital engagement, play a more prominent role in shaping adolescents’ risk-taking than demographic characteristics. Based on these findings, the study recommends holistic intervention programmes targeting social media and drug use, inclusive strategies that engage both genders, and the implementation of preventive measures across all school settings.