EFFECT OF VIOLENT TELEVISION PROGRAMME ON NIGERIAN CHILDREN

EFFECT OF VIOLENT TELEVISION PROGRAMME ON NIGERIAN CHILDREN

Abstract

The research used Cultivation Theory and Aggressive Cue Theory in explaining the research which focused on effect of violent television programme on Nigerian Children.  The research used survey research method while questionnaire was administered to 200 respondents that were drawn from the two secondary schools (Kings and Kidvac) through probability sampling technique. The data collected were analysed using the frequency and percentage method. Findings show that majority of the respondents (98.5%) watch television stations on a regular basis while respondents watched drama, sport and cartoon programmes more than other programmes and from which 65% are exposing to TV violence in the forms of violence movies, wrestling and boxing. It is also obvious that respondents cultivating violence behaviour and crime scenes they exposing to on TV. Also, girls did not cultivate aggressive behaviour the same way as boys after exposure to TV violent.  It is recommended that broadcasting station should stop showing television violence during the hours the children would be watching television instead they should show more of education and enlightenment programme that do not contain violence.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

The mass media system is a device for delivering thought, information, knowledge, ideas and attitudes to a diversified audience. It has grown from the primitive signals and verbal communication to the present complex facilities. The mass media include printed words and pictures which can appeal to the sense of sight, radio which use sound to transmit messages and television which uses both sound and pictures to communicate massages. In our present complex society there is great dependence on the mass media for the transaction of business. However, the potential influence of television program is shaping individual attitudes and behavior has become a subject of debate. Nevertheless