Abstract

This paper examined the influence of cartoons on the socialization of pupils of two Nigerian primary schools. Using cultivation theory and social learning theory, it adopted quantitative and qualitative methods using questionnaire, in-depth interview and FGD as instruments for data collection. It focused on two private schools (Nickdel and Maverick Colleges) both in Ibadan. The study found that: watching cartoons by primary school pupils appears interesting; it brings amusement/excitement to them; it may promote violence as heavy watchers are more prone to be violent; students ape (mimick) their favourite cartoon characters; pupils are attracted to visual images and that cartoons are very influential and can make pupils less interested in academic work. Quantitatively, 88.9% of the respondents established that cartoons influenced the way pupils behave, 68.5% affirmed that cartoons with violent content influence more, 77.8% declared that cartoons affect the manner in which pupils relate with friends and colleagues, 64.8% agreed that cartoons make pupils less interested in their books (academic work) while 57.4% equally stated that pupils tend to imitate their favourite cartoon characters. The paper concludes that proper monitoring and co-ordination (control) of pupils on what they watch by parents and guardians can help and that all stakeholders concerned in moulding the pupils through their formative years should assist them socialize well.

Key Words: Pupils, Primary Schools, Cultivation theory, Social learning theory, Cartoons and Socialisation

*Emmanuel Akanni Olasinde is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.                                  

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 10, No. 1, April 2018,   150 – 158