Influence of electronic media on learning social skills by Pre-school children in Ruiru division, Kiambu County, Kenya.

Abstract

This study looked into the influence of electronic media on learning social skills by pre-school children in Ruiru Division, Kiambu County. Electronic media connectivity by pre-school children is on the increase in recent years due to increased innovations and the dynamics around it worldwide. The study objectives were; establishing the influence of Television programs on pre-school children while learning social skills, explore the influence of smart phones on learning social skills among pre-school children, examine how computer influences learning of social skills by pre-school children, and to explore how Internet networks affects learning of social skills among pre-schoolchildren. The study presented a solid foundation for carrying out future research. The assumption of the study was that all respondents were truthful in their feedbacks. The study adopted a Null hypothesis that stated that there was a significant difference on learning social skills between the children that accessed electronic media and those that did not. Relevant literature on the development of social skills among pre-school children was reviewed using the social learning theory by Bandura, forming part of the theoretical framework. It was further illustrated in its adoption through the conceptual framework. The study design was through a survey that included the target population for public pre-schools in Ruiru Sub - county. Two hundred and eight-four (284) pupils spread across Ruiru public schools were used in the research. The research made use of eight (8) teachers from the public schools in the study area and one hundred and fifteen (115) pre-school parents. Instruments used included a questionnaire for parents, an interview schedule for both parents and teachers, an observational checklist and focus group discussions for pre-school children. Data analysis was done with the help of the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) program for statistical analysis and pie charts, frequency tables, and qualitative statements were used. The study found out that majority of the parents felt that electronic media influenced their children while learning social skills. Further findings revealed that most of the parents did not supervise nor co-view what their children accessed while using the electronic media. The study further found out that majority of the pre-school teachers felt incompetent while teaching the social skills, while the children clearly revealed that often times, they downloaded some applications and visited sites of adult content without the knowledge of their parents. The pre-school model their social skills, including sharing, respect, negotiation, and cooperation through electronic media consumed at home. The study recommended conscious monitoring content, and co-view what and how much the pre-school children access while on the electronic devices by parents and other caregivers. In accordance with the conclusion of the study the report further recommends that the government through the ministry of Education be involved in vetting appropriate content for pre-school children’s consumption; and through the ministry of mass and communication to intentionally filter inappropriate content in children programs prior to airing and provide variety of programs with educational themes. Also, the report recommends both the parents and teachers to continually work together and be decent role model to children and raise decent society.