Exploration of Parenting Issues and Teenage Digital Misuse of Internet in Nigeria: Implication on Education

Abstract

Unprecedented teenage access to modern technology and digital deficiencies among parents has generated numerous vices caused by digital misuse. Digital misuses ranging from internet slangs, excessive video game usage to internet fraud that eventually culminate to e-cheating is gradually in vogue. In a bid to check these digital excesses, this study sought to explore the relationship and perception of parents to digital misuse of digital internet devices possible educational defects. The research design adopted was a descriptive survey research design, a questionnaire through stratified random was administered on one hundred and twenty respondents. Data was analyzed through Multiple Regression and finding revealed that digital misuse has several educational defects. Consequently, the digital gap between the parents and teenagers is pronounced, as most parents are dormant in learning and updating knowledge and skills of using the Internet. While the teenagers regularly update their skills online. The need for massive sensitization and mechanism to curb digital misuse was recommended. Digitally, parents should be trained to acquire contemporary skills needed in checking and curbing digital misuse among teenagers. This will help to ameliorate digital misuse from gradually eroding Nigeria educational and social values.