GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT

The paper examined children's television programs and various types and aspects of child development. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The targeted population for the study comprised all the children in nursery or primary school in Rivers State. A total of 240 respondents were used for the study. The Children Television Program and Development Questionnaire (CTPDQ) was used for data collection. Face and content validation of the instrument was carried out by an expert in test, measurement, and evaluation. The reliability coefficient obtained was 0.83. The researcher subjected the data generated for this study to the appropriate statistical technique, which was percentage analysis, for answering the research questions. The test for significance was done at 0.05 alpha levels. From the result of the findings, the study found out that educational television can teach young children more complex reading skills, which could help set them up for greater success in a school setting. TV has a vital place in children’s lives. They consume a share of their leisure time in front of the television. The study also revealed that "Tom and Jerry" was rated the highest type of children's television programme that develops children the most. Also, "cognitive development" was rated as the highest aspect of the children's television programs that enhances children. On this basis, the study concluded that the relationship between children's TV programs and child development is complex and multifaceted. While some TV programs can have positive effects on children's cognitive, social, and emotional development, others can have negative effects such as reduced attention span, aggressive behaviour, and decreased academic performance. One of the recommendations made was that there should be conduction of longitudinal study to examine the long-term effects of children's TV programs on academic achievement, socialisation, and overall well-being.

KEYWORDS: Children, Television Programs, Types and Child Development