IMPACT OF ANIMATED CARTOONS ON CHILDREN AGED SEVEN TO ELEVEN YEARS IN NAIROBI, KENYA

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of animated cartoons on children aged seven to eleven years in Nairobi County, Kenya.Methodology: The study used descriptive survey method to collect information through casual interviews and self-administered questionnaires.Results: The study found that children watch animated cartoons because they are funny, enjoyable and are interesting i.e. because of entertainment. The study also found out that animated cartoons and TV in general can lead to lack of communication between parents and children in the home. Children are also likely to develop the language and social skills exhibited by the animated cartoon characters. This study also revealed that children watch animated cartoons with minimal parental guidance. The study concluded that media has the power to profoundly shape perceptions of the social world and to manipulate actions in subtle but highly effective ways. Animated cartoons have an impact on the children in respect to viewer ship patterns, the views they hold about animated cartoons and how they rate them; acquired language, dressing and sexuality, violence and role types. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study suggests that parents need to develop guidelines for children on how much animated cartoons they can watch. They should develop the proper perspective concerning their children and be good role models. Parents should take interest in combating hyper sexuality in animated cartoon and allow the children to stay young. Media Practitioners should embrace the development of home-grown animated cartoons, air on Kenyan stations animated cartoons that have local animated imagery designed to relate to the child’s world or context and provide entertainment programming in which life’s problems are not simply and quickly solved with either violent actions or hostile humor. They should air animated cartoons that have no violence or bad morals but are still popular with children. The Government also need to set policies governing the content in animated cartoons aired by the media houses and offer support and facilitate local research initiatives and production, especially on animated cartoons for the African children, with elements that promote our African culture.