A Comparative Study of Factors Leading to Watching Violent and Non-Violent Cartoon Programs Among Pre-School Children

Abstract

One activity that children enjoy doing is watching television, especially cartoon shows that are made especially for them. These shows contain moral values and educational insights that can be beneficial for the children. However, we cannot deny that there are some cartoon programs that contain aggressive acts that can somehow affect the child negatively. In short, what these programs exhibit can and will influence the child's behavioral and cognitive development. This study, tackled not only the positive and negative effects of cartoon programs on children but focused more on how socio-demographic factors, level of intelligence, personality type, presence of siblings and parental supervision can influence pre-school children in watching violent and/or non-violent type of cartoon shows. Survey questionnaires and interviews were conducted with one hundred eighty male and female pre-school children of Twinkle Toes Pre-school in Project 2, Quezon City using non-purposive type of sampling. Some parents were also asked about the positive and negative effects of cartoons to the young televiewers and their awareness on the presence of violence on television cartoons. The findings show that the respondents watch violent type of cartoon show for two hours everyday. They like to watch cartoons because it possess beautiful pictures, colors and cartoon characters. It was also reported that many of them watch alone and others with the company of their siblings. Most often, those with company watch cartoons selected by an older sibling. On the part of the parents, they think that cartoons are a source of entertainment but it is also a venue for violence which in turn will not be beneficial with their children. With the presence of violent acts on television shows, they think that proper discipline should be imposed when watching. Age and personality turned out to be the significant factors that could be associated with the type of cartoons watched.