Perceived Influence of Social Media Use on Child-Rights Advocacy in Ondo State

Abstract

This study investigates the perceived influence of social media use on child-rights advocacy in Ondo State. The study is guided by five objectives and is anchored on the Agenda-Setting Media  Theory  (McCombs  &  Shaw,  1972)  and  Social  Marketing  Theory  (Kotler&  Zaltman, 1971).  A  survey  method  was  adopted,  with  a  population  of  1,440  and  a  sample  of  360 respondents.  Findings  revealed  that  respondents  are  well  aware  of  child-rights  advocacy through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which are more frequently used than traditional communication channels like radio, television, and newspapers.  The  study  established  that  social  media  platforms  provide  opportunities  for users  to  participate  in  discussions,  expose  children  to  their  rights,  and  enlighten  adults  on child-rights violations. However, challenges such as the cost of smartphones, data expenses, power  outages,  internet  service  failures,  and  lack  of  interest  from  some  bloggers  were identified  (Oyero  &  Salawu,  2018).  Recommendations  include  increased  enlightenment  on child-rights,  stronger  justice  systems  to  address  violations,  and  policy  measures  to  reduce import duties on smartphones and improve power supply (UNICEF, 2017).