Mass media as correlates of children's behavioural problems in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

In the last 70 years, mass media such as radio, motion pictures, recorded music and television have become important agents of socialization. Television in particular is a critical force in the socialization of children. Many parents in essence allow the television set to become a child’s favourite “playmate”. It is generally agreed that children are exposed to a great deal of violence in the process. Mass media are important in socialization because they provide models of behaviour particularly among children. These models can have powerful effects on their behaviour, leading to behavioural problems. It is against this background that this study examines the relationship between mass media and children’s behavioural problem in Kwara State of Nigeria in 2010. To achieve this, survey design was employed among 816 children exposed to mass media. The major research hypothesis tested revolved around the relationship between mass media and children’s behavioural problems. The data were analysed using chi-square and Pearson product moment correlation co-efficient to indicate that the two factors were related. Based on this, it was recommended that public policy on media should focus on eliminating violent scenes in the mass media. Key words: Mass media, behavioural problems, children, communication, technology.