A Study on the extent of accessibility and utilization of mass media among school going children in Bikaner district

Abstract

The mass media plays a very importance role in the economic, social development of the nation. The simplest effect of the mass media is to make people aware of the events, persons or possibilities beyond their direct experiences. Mass media is not necessary have negative impact to children but also has a positive value to them. For example mass media plays a major role in enhancing positive children’s development in various education programs aired in television that may serve to increase children’s knowledge and understanding of various life aspects. Bikaner panchayat samiti was selected by chit method. Eight Government senior secondary schools were selected systematic random sampling method. The sample size of 160 (80 girls + 80 boys) students studying in 11th and 12th classes (10 girls + 10 boys were selected from each school) of rural and urban area of Bikaner district were selected through simple random sampling method. Questionnaire was used to collect the data. Majority of school going children belonged to 16 to 17 years of age group, low income group, nuclear family and other back ward caste. Majority of respondents possessed, television and phone (mobile) both in urban area and internet possessed in urban area and radio possessed in rural area. Among mass media television and mobile phone were more accessible and utilized then the other media. Hence, Overall accessibility and utilization level of respondents was found medium. Majority of students were using television mobile phone, internet regularly whereas reading newspaper, magazine listening radio occasionally. Majority of students found listening radio for less than one hour, using mobile phone and internet for 2 to 3 hours. Majority of respondents were listening radio during morning and boys were using mobile phone and internet at night time and girls were watching television at night both urban and rural area.