IMPACT OF VIDEO WATCHING AMONG CHILDREN – A PARENTS SURVEY

Abstract

The control of the media has adverse outcomes and consequences on the children‟s life. It can be either in the structure of viewing television, using tablets and mobiles to watch videos on social media, etc. But all these ventures have its side effects on the routine of the child‟s life. Example their sleep pattern gets disturbed and it's important to maintain a regular sleep pattern to lead a healthy life at the right age. According to a study of the psychology of children‟s minds, when video watching activities increases, the mental activities, somatic activities and social exposure decreases. Aim of the study is to make parents aware about the impacts and adverse effects of gadgets and media due to limitless exposure to various activities like video watching, playing games, etc. A survey was taken among 170 people focused mainly on parents [working and non-working] who had children from the age of 3 to 11 years in Chennai, Tamilnadu mainly. There were a total of 15 questions for the parents to answer regarding their child‟s daily activities, hobbies, interest and their behaviors. More than 85% of the parents are aware about the effects of limitless video watching and usage of media causing physical and mental health problems. Almost 55% of the parents replied that their child‟s focus and interactions are changed drastically because of the media‟s influence on them. But the remaining population answered that they were following strict recommended limits to stop their children from the media's extreme approach.Parents were advised to make strict rules on time limits for their children to watch videos and television. Furthermore, research and studies are needed to study their behaviors after their time spent with the gadgets and after watching videos and television.