Relationship between Social Media Exposure and Risky Sexual Behaviour among Secondary School Students in Kajiado County, Kenya
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Date
2025-07
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Adolescents are increasingly exposed to social media, which has become a central platform for engagement, self-expression, and peer influence. This study aimed to assess the relationship between social media exposure and risky sexual behavior among secondary school students in Kajiado County, Kenya. The objectives were to evaluate the level of social media exposure to sexual content, explore risky sexual behaviors engaged in by students, establish the relationship between social media sexual content and risky sexual behavior, and explore intervention strategies used to promote responsible social media usage. The target population comprised secondary school students in Kajiado County. A sample size of 2,584 participants, including 39 principals, 74 teacher counselors, and 2,471 students, was selected using cluster and simple random sampling techniques. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, with data collected through questionnaires administered to students, principals, and teacher counselors. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, percentages) and inferential statistics (chi-square, correlation). The findings revealed that 62.6% of students believed social media exposure exposed adolescents to risky sexual behaviors, while only 9.4% reported having engaged in sexual intercourse. Additionally, 87% of students had attended intervention strategies on responsible social media use. The findings indicated significant exposure to sexual content on social media among secondary school students. While most students were not engaging in sexual intercourse, some risky behaviors were still present. The study found that 62.6% of students believed social media exposure contributed to risky sexual behaviors, and statistical analysis revealed a significant association between exposure to sexual content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok and an increased likelihood of engaging in behaviors such as unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners. Recommendations included the development of age-appropriate and culturally sensitive intervention strategies, strengthening parental guidance and involvement, and implementing comprehensive sexuality education programs integrated with digital literacy.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Art and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts (Counselling Psychology) of Kenyatta University, July 2025.
Supervisor
Simon Ndirangu