Relationship between Exposure to Mass Media and Drug Abuse among Adolescent Students in Secondary Schools

Abstract

The media serves the function of connecting people and therefore has an enormous effect on people’s attitudes and behaviours. It is a contributor to socialization process. Media is the major source of information especially news, education, entertainment, fashion and trends. It can also be used for changing people’s attitudes and behaviours. The globalization and propagation of media are among the key factors that have defined and shaped the current generation of young people. The changes in the media industry may have resulted in the many social changes being realized globally, Kenya included. It has been easy for students in Bungoma Central Sub- County to access electronic media (television, radio, video and mobile phones) in cyber cafes in market places which in most cases has destructive content and actions which influence their behavior. Despite intervention from the Ministry of Education, school Principals and NGOs that have sensitized students on proper use of media, anti- social behavior within Bungoma Central Sub- County is on the increase with over 35% of the students abusing various types of drugs. This study therefore sought to establish whether there is a relationship between exposure to mass media and drug use in secondary schools in Bungoma Central Sub- County.