In research that validates what many parents and educators suspect, students whose grades are below average could boost their exam results if they devoted less time to Facebook and other social networking sites.

The study, led by Dr James Wakefield from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), looked at the amount of time first-year university students spent on Facebook, and the impact it had on their grades.

The research showed that while high achieving students were not affected by the amount of time on Facebook, below average students had significantly lower grades with greater Facebook use.

«Our research shows time spent on social networking platforms puts lower academic achievers at higher risk of failing their course,» Dr Wakefield says.

Students taking part in the study spent on average nearly two hours a day on Facebook, however some were on the social networking site in excess of eight hours a day.

«Lower achieving students may already be grappling with self-regulation and focus, so it seems time spent on Facebook provides a further distraction from studies,» Dr Wakefield says.

Story Source: Materials provided by University of Technology Sydney. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.