The medium of television as it influences the socialisation of pre-school and primary school children

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to study the popularity, effects and potential of commercial television as regards its socialising influence on pre-school and primary school children. The study was largely based upon the response from questionnaires distributed to both state and private schools, besides interviews with educationalists and broadcasting specialists. The dissertation attempts to understand the pattern of children's televiewing and how they use the medium, taking into consideration, age, sex, mental ability and socio-economic groupings - these all being important variables in connection with the actual influence of the medium. Emphasis was also made on the major possible effects that the medium has, mainly on the health of the child, on creativity, on violence, fear and cognitive achievement. Finally, an analysis follows on the educational potential of commercial television. A description is given on steps already taken to introduce this element both on foreign and local scenes. Suggestions are then given as to how the content of commercial television can be utilised in the class-room.