Owkej! : how television works on children

Abstract

This study takes a Maltese children's programme- Owkej-as the basis of an attempt to look for any positive effects which television might have on children. Research gives insight on how television effects children. It takes in consideration the role of parents in helping the child to become media literate. Taking the child as the focal point, the research sheds light on whether or not the child can take an active role in front of the television screen. The study was divided into two interlinked processes. The first one included the watching and the analysis of thirty nine programmes Owkej, transmitted originally on the Maltese Television Station PBS, between October 1997 and June 1998. The second part of the study included group-administered sessions with fifty students in year 5 classes, selected from different schools in Malta. My study indicated that Owkej managed to give out pos1t1ve messages through educational, political and entertaining elements. Moreover the interelation of these elements enriched the outcome, helping the children in the study to think and discuss the themes presented by the production team of Owkej in collaboration with Sedqa ( the Maltese agency against drug and alcohol abuse). The study concludes that if we want to tune into kids we must make media accessible to all kids.