Project Abstract

Abstract
Animated cartoons have been a prominent form of entertainment for children for decades, and their influence on behavioral development has been a topic of interest among researchers and parents alike. This research project aims to explore the impact of animated cartoons on the behavioral development of children, focusing on various aspects such as aggression, prosocial behavior, and cognitive development. The study will involve a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on children's viewing habits, attitudes towards cartoons, and observed behavioral changes. A sample of children from diverse backgrounds will be selected to ensure a wide range of perspectives and experiences are captured. The research will delve into the concept of social learning theory, which posits that individuals learn through observation and imitation of others. Animated cartoons often depict characters engaging in various behaviors, both positive and negative, which children may mimic in their own lives. By analyzing the content of popular cartoons and correlating it with children's behavior, this study aims to identify specific behavioral patterns influenced by animated cartoons. Furthermore, the project will explore the role of parental mediation in shaping children's cartoon viewing habits and interpreting the content. Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children's media consumption and discussing the messages portrayed in cartoons. By examining the extent to which parental involvement impacts the behavioral outcomes of cartoon exposure, this research will provide insights into effective strategies for parents to promote positive behavioral development in their children. In addition, the study will assess the potential benefits of animated cartoons in promoting prosocial behavior and cognitive skills among children. Many cartoons incorporate moral lessons, problem-solving scenarios, and educational content that can enhance children's social and cognitive development. By analyzing the relationship between cartoon content and children's behavior, this research aims to highlight the positive aspects of animated cartoons in fostering healthy behavioral development. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing literature on the influence of animated cartoons on children's behavioral development. By examining the complex interplay between cartoon content, children's behavior, and parental mediation, this study aims to provide valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers on promoting positive behavioral outcomes in children's media consumption.

Project Overview

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Backgrounds to the Study

Childhood as a stage in the human life cycle encompasses a period of phenomenal biological, physiological, psychological, and social growth. Between infancy and the beginning of adolescence, about age twelve, the human acquires major life skills the ability to walk, talk, read, care for oneself, and come to know the world around him or her. During this time, the child first encounters the major agents of socialization: the family, peers, schools, and media.

Children is the future as we knows, their right behavior that can be accepted by social were established in family, communities and sociality.

The child now is very different with the several years ago. It’s the real problem to the parent, teacher and government for handling that was a serious public problem in many socialites around the world, one of the main causes was media influence. (Saman Gnangsanit, 1999 p.29)

The children in common society will be easy to accepting influence from environment and they have good memorize to do anything because of stimulant. The brains can help to learning and doing anything. It’s transforms to be their negative lifestyle and copy-cat behavior (Dr. Pang Shinnapong, Oct 2004) Children will be view violence as an acceptable way to settle conflicts. (Congressional Public Health Summit, 2000).

Therefore, the “terms” animation and cartoon have been associated with lively and usually humorous images set in motion.

According to Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary (2001) Defines animation as giving life or liveliness to something and while, the word cartoon is refers to the sketches or drawings similar to the ones we have seen in newspapers. When these words are combined to animated cartoon they refer to a “motion picture consisting of a sequence of drawings, each so slightly different that when filmed and run through a projector the figures seem to move” (Random House, Inc.,2001, p. 82)

The popular animated cartoons channels are: Nickelodeon, Child Smille, BabyTV, Animaux, Cartoon Network, Jimjam e.t.c and they are now available on cable tv such as Startime, Dstv, Gotv e.t.c

Similarly, some of the popular cartoons are: Dragon Ball Z, Fruits Basket, The Simpsons, Futurama, Cowboy Bebop, Naruto, Sailor Moon, Sleeping Beauty, Pocahontas, Tarzan, Tom and Jerry and Spider-Man e.t.c while of these cartoons are shown at the cinema hall such as Ikeja City Mall.

It is against this background that the research examined the influence of animated cartoons on the behavioral development of children who watch animated cartoons at the Ikeja City Mall. With the view to know how cartoon influence the learning skill of children, affect the socio-cultural behaviours of children, what are the role play by parents on the cartoon viewing habits of their children.