PARENT'S PERCEPTION AND INFLUENCE DISCOURSE ON CHILD DEFILEMENT CASES
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the influence of Facebook discourse on parents' perceptions and behaviours regarding child defilement cases in Lagos, Nigeria, with the objectives to examine how it shapes perceptions, explore parents' roles in discussions, identify engagement drivers, and assess impacts on attitudes and behaviours, anchored on Self-Perception Theory. Employing a survey research design, the study targeted parents in Lagos using multi-stage sampling to select 384 respondents, achieving a 96% response rate via a structured questionnaire, with data analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that Facebook significantly boosts parents' awareness and concern for child safety, though reliance is moderate; parents feel empowered to contribute actively, shaping discourse through shares and comments; engagement is driven by trusted sources, practical advice, relatable stories, and respectful tones; and it prompts greater vigilance, family safety discussions, and protective actions, with hypothesis testing confirming strong correlations between discourse and perceptions of victims/perpetrators. In conclusion, Facebook effectively influences parental perceptions, engagement, and behaviours, enhancing awareness and mobilising protective roles while reinforcing attitudes through self-observation, as per Self-Perception Theory, underscoring its potential for child safety advocacy in Nigeria. Recommendations include policymakers and child protection agencies leveraging Facebook for campaigns with trusted, practical content to boost engagement, and NGOs employing relatable stories and respectful tones to sustain parental participation and foster sustained discourse.
Keywords: Parents’ Perception, Discourse, Child Defilement
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