Parents' Perceptions of Influence of Violent Cartoons on Primary School Pupils' Social Behaviors

Children have very sensitive minds that are shaped mostly by the environment where they grow up. These include their day by day experiences of which their parents play a significant role. It has been found globally that cartoons affect children's behavior. However, in Nigerian context, the nature of cartoon influence on children is not known, and also it has not been determined if parents are aware of this influence. This study examined the influence of cartoons on Nigerian children's social behavior from the perspective of parents. A survey research design was adopted for the study and data were collected from 100 parents through questionnaire. Frequency counts and percentages were used for data analysis. The findings showed that most children watched cartoons on daily and weekly basis; most of the children watched violent cartoons where there were lots of fights, hero was violent, characters shouted and abused one another. Parents perceptions on influence of violent cartoon on children behavior was found to be neutral. It is recommended that training programs should be organized for parents and guardians by the government and organizations on the influence of media on children social behavior and development. Parents should examine the contents of cartoons they provide for their children to ensure that they do not have elements of violence that can affect the children negatively. Parents should intentionally censor the cartoons that their children are exposed to, in terms of age appropriateness and portrayal of violent behavior to be able to prevent the negative influences such cartoons might have on children. Parents and guardians should educate their children on acceptable family and societal values. Entertainment industries should provide policies that will educate parents on what to look out for in violent cartoons.