children and parents report

This report is about Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes and the overview of the report is about how children spend their spare time and what different devices they are popular is using. From the findings produced from the report, statistics state that certain age groups prefer certain devices. The age group is between 3-15. This report has an overflow of quantitative data, graphs and percentages. A lot of research and findings were based on results from 2013 and 2014 and they were compared between both. Among 12-15s the mobile phone is the second most likely device to be mainly used to go online, after laptops/netbooks, with tablets coming third. Mobiles are more favoured for the older children between ages 12-15 because they’re more likely to spend more time socialising on social media than watching TV or on laptops/netbooks. Access to the internet via a PC/Laptop has decreased, access to the internet at home via a PC/laptop/netbook by children aged 5-15 has decreased; from 91% in 2013 to 88% in 2014. The cause of this could be leaning towards an age group because children aged 5-7/8 are more likely to use laptops and devices with big screens, than mobile phones. The TV set is the only media device used almost everyday by a majority of children aged 5 to 15. More time is spent watching television every week (14.6 hours) than undertaking any other media activity. The statistics also show that 8-11 year olds are spending more time online than in 2013, however, as with 12-15 year olds, children aged 8-11 tend to prefer using mobile phones for social media and creative activities. Among those 12-15 year olds with a social media profile, boys are more likely than girls to have a profile on YouTube (29% vs. 15%) while girls are more likely than boys to have a profile on three sites or apps: Instagram (42% vs. 30%), Snapchat (33% vs. 20%) and Tumblr (11% vs. 3%).

The methodology used to gather this research involved, surveys and interviews for the primary research and research and statistics for the secondary, which was majority of the report. The primary research was compiled together based on what the secondary research was based on. The primary research talked about the different devices that children used compared to the others and from the secondary research they could link the primary research to the secondary.

The audiences that were used in this report were parents and children.  The sample is broad and not fully valid because the survey had been collected over a number of years and this made it slightly reliable. The sample had been taken in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2014 but they only focused on 2013 & 2014. But over the years they didn’t have the same specific number of people in the survey. The quantitative research is the majority of the report because on every page there are statistics on percentages, graphs and numbers. The qualitative research is identified on the first page where it talks about the stimulus material and the summary of key themes. There is more quantitative research in this report than qualitative research because it is basically secondary research on them trying to find valid information.

The qualitative and quantitative are inter-linked together because both research use the same age range. The quantitative research explains the statistics and numbers and the qualitative research backs it up with online research. There aren’t any references from academic journals or professionals but there is a reference from Ofcom, in which they conducted the research. The issues with the primary research they have conducted is that the survey sample is not the same number of people throughout the years. The sample is not reliable in terms of trying to get accurate and trust worthy results.

The sector I have selected is the Radio sector. The research I need to undertake so that it can be applied to the findings produced, I will pursue a research on trying to investigate whether their research is reliable and the sources they used. I will link this to my sector (Radio) and find out if it is applicable. 

secondary research

Media Violence

While some games have educational content, many of the most popular games emphasize negative themes and promote:

• The killing of people or animals
• The use and abuse of drugs and alcohol
• Criminal behaviour, disrespect for authority and the law
• Sexual exploitation and violence toward women
• Racial, sexual, and gender stereotypes
• Foul language and obscene gestures

Studies of children exposed to violent media have shown that they may become numb to violence, imitate the violence, and show more aggressive behaviour. Younger children and those with emotional, behavioural or learning problems may be more influenced by violent images.

Spending excessive time playing these games can lead to:

• Less time socializing with friends and family
• Poor social skills
• Time away from family time, school work, and other hobbies
• Lower grades
• Less reading
• Less exercise and becoming overweight
• Decreased sleep and poor-quality sleep
• Aggressive thoughts and behaviours

https://www.aacap.org/aacap/families_and_youth/facts_for_families/fff-guide/Children-and-Video-Games-Playing-with-Violence-091.aspx

•               Over the past 30 years there has been extensive research on the relationship between televised violence and violent behavior among youth. Longitudinal, cross-sectional, and experimental studies have all confirmed this correlation. 

•               Televised violence and the presence of television in American households have increased steadily over the years. In 1950, only 10% of American homes had a television.

•               The typical American child will view more than 200,000 acts of violence, including more than 16,000 murders before age 18

•               Children spend on average 7 hours a day of media in general.

•               Violent video games increase violent thoughts, emotions physiological arousal and creates stress.

https://allpsych.com/journal/violentmedia/

·             Recent research has shown that connections between children playing violent video games can cause later aggressive behavioural problems. 

·             In retrospect studies have also shown a twelve percent increase in aggressive behaviour after watching violent television as well.

·             Research has also shown heavy viewers, which is four or more hours a day, put in less effort at school, have poorer reading skills, play less friendly with friends, have fewer hobbies and activities, and are more likely to be overweight.

·             An industry report estimates that 80% of the audience for the Call of Duty series is male, and 21% is aged 10-14. Going by the 18 rating on the last three entries, that means at least a fifth of the game’s vast audience shouldn’t be playing.

·             More than 90 per cent of children and teens play video games, and researchers say the majority of those games contain some type of violent content.

·             Studies at Middlesex University found that children became more aggressive the longer they played violent computer games. Children as young as four often play games which, if the images were in a film or video, would be against the law.

• Children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.
• Children may be more fearful of the world around them.
• Children may be more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others.

Validity and Reliability

When doing research, you need to consider validity and reliability. Research is reliable in two different ways: it is reliable when you receive research from a professional in the subject because they have a depth in the understanding. Another way is that the information formed by the professional is not biased because it is checked and reviewed by other professionals. Validity is basically how reasonable your findings are. It also gives value to your findings and makes it more convincing to the reader. You need to make sure that the website you’re collecting is reliable and trust worthy.