The effects of television viewing on children's language development; the case for Wangige Division, Kabete District

Abstract

The purpose ofthis study was to explore the effects of TV viewing on language development of preschool children in Wangige division Kabete District. The objectives of the study were: To determine whether language development was affected by television viewing among pre-school children in Wangige division Kabete District, to examine whether day to day language use by children was affected by television viewing among pre-school children in Wangige division, Kabete District and also to determine how to develop a policy that would control TV programming for children in Wangige division Kabete District. The current literature from similar studies indicates that TV has both constructive and destructive impact on children. Macbeth (2001) in Disney, Australia found that TV encourages children to be active viewers. It promotes positive message like honesty, trust and fairness. American academy of pediatrics (2001) say children are likely to learn what parents don't want them to learn like violence and mean behavior. Samples for the study were drawn from 20 pre-school children, 10 boys and 10 girls, aged between 4 and 6 years. There were 3 teachers, all females. Parents involved were 20, 9 males and 11 females. Research instruments used in the study were; questionnaires for parents and teachers, interview guides and observation schedules for children. Data collected was analyzed using tables, frequencies and percentages. It emerged that television viewing had great impact on preschool children. It was established that: language development among pre-school children was influenced by television watching, the day to 'day language used by children was affected by television viewing among pre-school children in Wangige Division, Kabete District and a policy could be developed that would control TV programming for children in Wangige division Kabete District? The study recommended that: Children should be controlled and directed on the programmers they should watch since some of the programmers may have negative influence on their language development, that the parents should use TV as a learning AID for children and not so much as entertainment, that teachers in the schools should also encourage children to. watch specific programmes that may be beneficial to the their language development and that both parents and teachers should control TV watching so that it does not interfere with children homework.