Perceived Effects of Cartoons on the Behavior of Students with and without Hearing loss: Pakistani Parents’ Perspective on Preference for Cartoons as a Safe Entertainment

Abstract

This research article, by using explanatory research method explores the Pakistani parents’ perception regarding preferences for cartoons as a safe entertainment and perceived effects of cartoons on the behavior of the students with and without hearing loss. Total of 212 parents (81 parents of the children with hearing impairment and 131 parents of the hearing student) participated and filled the questionnaire and six mothers were interviewed out of which three had children with hearing loss. The results of the quantitative research showed that the parents of the children with hearing loss consider the cartoons more harmful for their children as compared to hearing children. Whereas the findings from the interviews revealed that there is a consensus within the both types of parents that cartoons have negative effect on their children. Parents demonstrates that the reason for preferring cartoons as a safe
entertainment for kids is that comparatively they are cost effective and children stay in home in front of the elders. Keeping in view the current social events parents are not willing or comfortable in sending their child outside to play. It is suggested that parental guidance is required to avoid negative effects of the cartoons.