Gratification Derived by Children Aged Seven to Eleven Years From Watching Televised Animated Cartoons in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the gratification derived by children aged seven to eleven years from watching televised animated cartoons in Nairobi County, Kenya.Methodology: The study used descriptive survey method to collect information through casual interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The data was analyzed through straight tabulations and generated tables, graphs, and charts such as measures of central tendency such as means and modes and measures of dispersion such as the standard deviations.Findings: The study concluded that most children watch cartoons mainly for entertainment purposes. Boys admire Ben’s super-human imagination and would like to identify with him. Girls like Kim possible because she is a young girl like them, and they are able to identify with her character, as all the other super-heroes are men. Girls like magic, power and action in cartoons such as Kim Possible. She is young and strong and can protect herself and others. They find Kim interesting because of the action and fighting scenes. The girls also like her dress code, shoes and hairstyle.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Parents should limit screen time, including animated cartoons, movies, video games and computer time to less than two hours a day and provide alternative means of relaxation and entertainment rather than the passive leisure of watching animated cartoons. The media practitioners should also think about the impact that watching some of these animated cartoons may have, especially on special audience like children. The government is recommended to develop a legal framework for classifying animated cartoons should be developed.