A PAKISTANI PERSPECTIVE ABOUT TV VIEWING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine parents’ perspective regarding TV viewing. For this purpose, five interviews were conducted the parents, by using convenience sampling technique. Inclusion criteria were parents having children of 11 to 13 years of age. Interviews were conducted with parents in their homes. Analysis of interviews was done by thematic analysis technique. During the interviews, four main areas were probed i.e, Parents general perception towards TV viewing, existing rules regarding TV viewing, and suggestions given by parents. The results of the present study showed that parents still use TV as an option of entertainment and learning for children but they view TV viewing as an unhealthy activity in general. They have pointed out more negative aspects of TV viewing. According to them, if TV viewing is restricted then it will result in both positive and negative consequences. Positive consequences of restricting TV time can be in the form of increased interest in studies, religious activities, physical activities and attitude towards pro social behaviors. Whereas, parents have also pointed negative outcomes in the form of health issues, effect on eye sight, behavioral issues and wandering behavior of the children. Parents have highlighted three aspects of TV viewing in general. If we focus on present rules made by parents for their children regarding TV viewing then in this regard there is lack of rules for children. Children can view TV any time. Secondly, TV viewing also serve as a background activity that is ongoing on side by side with other activities and third aspect is lack of alternatives available for parents in which their children can engage with. Apart from this, parents have also given suggestions regarding potential alternatives that can be used to limitize TV viewing among children. They also pointed towards role active of parents.