Television Exposure and its Influence on Children’s Behaviour and Academic Performance: Akure Metropolis as a Case Study

In many Nigerian households, television has become a dominant medium of communication and entertainment, significantly shaping children’s daily experiences. However, increasing exposure to television content has raised concerns about its influence on children’s behaviour and academic performance. This study investigates the extent to which television exposure affects children in Akure metropolis, Ondo State. A quantitative survey design was adopted, using structured questionnaires administered to 110 children, out of which 55 valid responses were analysed. The findings reveal that children are highly exposed to television, with many engaging in daily viewing for extended hours. Results show that television significantly influences children’s behaviour, particularly in areas such as imitation of characters, aggressive tendencies, and reduced participation in social and outdoor activities. The study also found that children predominantly consume entertainment-based content, especially cartoons, while educational programmes receive comparatively lower attention. Furthermore, excessive television viewing negatively affects academic performance by reducing time allocated to reading, homework, and other educational activities. The study concludes that television’s impact depends on viewing patterns, content type, and parental guidance, highlighting the need for effective monitoring and educational content promotion.

Television, Children, Behaviour, Academic Performance, Media Effects

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