The Journal of Development Communication

Mothers Know Best: Analyzing Maternal Mediation Strategies for Guiding Children's Media Use in Davao City, Philippines

2024-12-30T15:45:10+08:00

This study explores the media mediation strategies employed by mothers in guiding their children's media consumption, focusing on how mothers' media literacy levels influence their practices. With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing importance of digital engagement in children's lives, it is crucial to understand the strategies mothers use to protect and educate their children in this digital landscape. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. Ten mothers of children aged 6 to 12 years in Davao City, Philippines, participated in the study. The quantitative data was gathered using Renee Hobbs’ Media Literacy Scale to assess mothers' media literacy, while qualitative insights were drawn from open-ended survey questions and follow-up interviews. The findings revealed six key themes in maternal mediation practices: proactive media management, interactive media education through parental dialogue, family bonding through media, discipline rooted in family values, prioritizing digital safety and privacy, and the influence of peer practices and virtual communities. The study found that higher media literacy among mothers positively influenced their ability to engage in more effective mediation strategies, emphasizing the importance of education, family values, and digital safety. These results underscore the role of mothers not only as supervisors but also as active mentors in their children's media consumption. This research highlights the need for continued support for mothers in developing media literacy to foster safer and more meaningful digital experiences for children.

Public Perceptions of Government Communication Regarding Ghana’s Free Senior High School Policy

2024-12-30T15:45:34+08:00

This research examines public perceptions of government communication on Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. The human capital, two-way symmetrical communication and resistance theories underpinned this study. A total of 491 Ghanaians responded to a set of questionnaires distributed to them via Google Forms. Data was analysed using cross-tabulations, means, standard deviations, independent samples t-test and One Way ANOVA. Respondents perceived the Free SHS policy as a good initiative which has increased secondary school enrolment, brought financial relief to parents and guardians, and promoted equity in secondary education. Nevertheless, respondents saw the policy as inadequate in achieving quality secondary education due to implementation challenges. Respondents perceived awareness creation on the policy as very effective. However, public education and advocacy on the policy by the government were not very effective. Also, government communication has not been very effective in explaining the policy to persuade the public to fully support it. Significant differences manifested in the views of respondents on the level of effectiveness of government communication on the policy due to differences in educational backgrounds. Respondents identified factors including transparent communication, reliable funding source, periodic research and evaluation, improved consultation and de-politicization as critical to the sustainability of the policy. The theoretical and policy implications of the findings have been outlined in the study. The Ministries of Education and Information should collaborate with the Free SHS Secretariat to organize training programmes on participatory, transparent and clear government communication strategies to all relevant stakeholders to promote public understanding of the policy.

Do You Chew? A Qualitative Study Exploring University Students’ Perceptions and Effects of Khat (Catha Edulis) in Kenya

2024-12-30T15:46:33+08:00

Khat is mostly grown in Eastern African countries as a cash crop. Although it has been linked to many health effects and anti-social behaviors – necessitating its control in many countries – khat is legal in Kenya. Founded on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study examines the perceived perceptions and effects of khat from the perspectives of the residents of khat-growing areas of Meru County in Kenya. Drawing from 15 in-depth interviews (men=11, women=4), the study’s data corpus were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings show five major themes in relation to the perceptions towards growing and consuming khat: source of income, symbol of freedom, identity of heritage, driver of development, and khat as a medicinal plant. On the effects, three themes emerged; school dropouts, health consequences, and violence associated with consuming the khat. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that khat is viewed as an important aspect of people’s identity and a major source of income, regardless of the negative effects associated with its consumption. Implications for the study are also discussed.

Effects of Modern Media Towards Preservation of African Moral Values and Economic Development in Ghana

2024-12-30T17:25:40+08:00

This paper delved into the effects of modern media on the preservation of traditional African moral values and economic development in Ghana. The paper is purely qualitative and relied mainly on related literature. Content and thematic analyses were employed. It was revealed that radio and television, especially in African contexts, serve as medium for passing down cultural norms, values, and practices. By showcasing traditional music, storytelling, and other cultural elements, media platforms contribute to maintaining a sense of continuity in cultural identity. The ability to convey perceptions, hopes, and dreams unrestricted on these platforms enables Africans to actively participate in shaping their cultural narrative. It was revealed that increased media consumption correlates with a rise in support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and More (LGBTQIA+) rights in Africa. Also, media can be used as a tool for exacerbating hate speech and propaganda. Media literacy programmes and public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about media's influence and encourage critical thinking. Education systems should integrate cultural education highlighting traditional values, history, and practices into the academic curriculum. Academic institutions should invest in research to continuously monitor media's impact on cultural values and economic development.

Assessing Mass Media Protection of Child’s Rights and Menace of Street Children in Cross River State, Nigeria

2024-12-30T21:45:24+08:00

Child Rights violation is a cankerworm ravaging the society today, which has contributed adversely to shattered dreams and future of most Nigerian children. This constitutes a big threat to societal growth and development. Both government and the mass media have great roles to play in the promotion and protection of rights of children in the society. Unfortunately, the reverse is almost the case in most Nigerian societies as these rights are being violated and ignored with outright impunity by persons who ought to have protected them. Worst still, issues on child rights violation do not enjoy prominence and adequate media attention as most cases are unreported or underreported with negatively framed reports against the children. This study therefore assesses the combined role of the mass media and government in promoting and protecting child’s rights and preventing violence against street children in Cross River State. Using survey research method with questionnaire and interviews to collect data from 400 respondents and interviewees, which was analysed using descriptive statistics and explanation building method. The common causes of children rights violation were identified while the study also evaluated the roles of the mass media and government with practicable recommendations.

Challenges Faced by Provincial Television Journalists in Sri Lanka

2024-12-30T21:53:12+08:00

Provincial journalists play a vital role in gathering news from a specific geographical area and sending it to a main newsroom in a particular media station. Moreover, the provincial journalists have to face several challenges in their profession in gathering, sending and publishing news. Therefore, the study is carried out to investigate the challenges faced by the provincial journalists in Sri Lanka in terms of television news using the Motivational System Theory (MST). The interviews were conducted with twenty provincial journalists covering almost all the districts in Sri Lanka. The qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The results showed the personal and institutional factors affecting the news coverage of provincial journalists. In other words, the provincial journalists faced challenges due to several personal and institutional factors. Moreover, at the institutional level, the provincial journalists faced several challenges such as delayed and inadequate payments, working for several media stations simultaneously without having proper payments, low professional recognition, inadequate welfare schemes, training, resources and awareness given by the media stations, no proper recruitment procedure, political influence, newsroom agenda, violating ethical journalism standards, male dominate news coverage and less female representation etc. On the other hand, personal factors such as less qualifications, education, training, resources, motivation and skills are also negatively affecting provincial journalism. Therefore, it is important to establish a proper work culture to uplift the profession of the provincial journalists. Moreover, the responsible parties should provide the required resources, facilities, payments, opportunities, guidance, training, and awareness, proper recruitment procedure to create a professional and encouraging work environment for provincial journalists in Sri Lanka. It is also essential to maintain gender equality and ethical standards to establish a healthy and positive work environment for provincial journalists.