AFFECTS OF TELEVISION AS A NATURAL EDUCATOR: CAN TELEVISION BE A TOOL AS AN INFORMAL EDUCATOR? : A TRNC SAMPLE
ABSTRACT
The major objective of this study is to discuss the effects of television on children and adolescents. Our children are spending many hours in front of the television. This study examined the viewing habits and personal opinions of Turkish Cypriot children. The participants were 250 children and adolescents whose ages varied between 4 – 17. This study revealed that children and adolescents are spending most of their time in front of the TV. Besides most of them admire a character and want to act like their famous character. It is one of the most important finding of some certain studies about the role of television on socialisation and shaping values. In this study, viewing habits and personal opinions of children and adolescents are revealed. From that point of view, some suggestions are put forward in order to benefit more from TV. Also a comparison about viewing habits, effects of watching TV is made between other cultures and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.