The Relationship Between Social Media Usage and Aggressive Behavior Among Secondary School Students in Muallim District

This study explores the relationship between social media usage and aggressive behavior among secondary school students in the Muallim district, Malaysia. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 335 students through self-reported surveys. Social media engagement was measured by daily screen time, while aggression levels were assessed using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlation, revealed a significant positive relationship between prolonged social media usage and higher aggression scores (r = 0.162, p = 0.003). The findings suggest that interventions such as screen time monitoring, content moderation, and digital literacy programs tailored to age groups are necessary to mitigate the negative behavioral impacts of social media. This study provides critical insights for educators, parents, and policymakers in developing strategies to promote healthier online behaviors among Malaysian adolescents.