Television Viewing Habits of Mentally Retarded Children

Abstract

The television viewing habits of 250 mentally retarded children from an institution, from a hostel for the intellectually handicapped, and from home was explored. The study revolved around two questions: Do retarded children watch television, and does it present a meaningful learning situation for them. The results indicate that our children do watch TV for extended periods of time and especially during the evening meal preparation period. They do not appear either to remember what they have seen for any length of time or to learn much from such an activity. The shortcomings of commercially produced programs in relation to the retarded was discussed.