A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Effect of Television Viewing Habits among Schoolchildren at Selected School at Cuddalore District

Abstract

Background: Television (TV) is the electronic carpet that transports millions of persons each day to faraway places. It is the twentieth century creations of the technological revolution that has been transforming much of the world. Today, it is very common in every country for a household to have at least one television. It is tough to imagine a house without TV. Ever since TV took its strike, it has remained the most influential medium among the mass media. It can be considered a credible source of information. The motives being that the full color, action packed and real actors filmed make TV seem to be real to the viewers. The influence of TV on teenagers, adolescents and youth is widespread. Children and adolescents have been found to be the most devoted and faithful viewers of television, whether the programmes are designed for them or not. Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge regarding effect of television viewing habits among schoolchildren. 2. To correlate the knowledge regarding effect of television viewing habits with certain demographic variables. Method: The research design employed for this study was descriptive method. The study was conducted from the samples of 50 schoolchildren selected by convenient sampling technique in a selected school, Vadalur. Demographic data were collected from each schoolchild. The knowledge was assessed by using semi-structured questionnaire on habits of television viewing and their effects. Result: The study finding revealed that 4% had inadequate knowledge, 96% had moderately adequate knowledge. Conclusion: TV, interactive video games can be excellent source of education and entertainment for kids. It also a good choice to make sure schoolchildren have a wide variety of free-time activities like reading, playing and sports which can play a vital part in assisting them to develop a healthy body and mind.