Ismail, Halim and Mamat, Arifin and Ibrahim, Hasniza and Mokhtar, Nazatul Akmar and Zailan, Muhammad Noor aiman
(2026)
An educational framework for character development among secondary school students in engaging with social media in Malaysia.
HUMAN RESEARCH IN REHABILITATION, 16 (1).
pp. 74-84.
ISSN 2232-9935
E-ISSN 2232-996X
Abstract
As digital technologies advance, social media increasingly influences adolescents by
influencing how they connect with others and contributing to the formation of their values,
conduct, and identity. The primary objective of this study is to develop an educational
framework that supports the formation of positive character in the digital age in Malaysia.
The study instrumented a qualitative interview method, comprising four individual sessions
and one group session with four students and was analysed using thematic analysis. The
Framework was developed through network visualisation, which mapped conceptual
connections and supported framework development using graphical representations in
ATLAS.ti software. The findings highlighted the constructive influence of social media in
fostering self-directed learning, interpersonal skills, and communication abilities. Six core
values were identified as particularly relevant, namely, independent, responsibility, respect,
rationality, tolerance, and moderation. However, the study also revealed that social media
can negatively affect students’ time management, self-discipline, and cognitive orientation.
This educational framework significantly contributes to character education by promoting
ethical and responsible social media use, ultimately shaping a generation of digitally literate,
morally grounded individuals. The findings of this study offer valuable implications for
educational stakeholders, including students, educators, schools, parents, and the broader
community.
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