The Role of Parental Mediation in Mitigating Violent Television Programmes for Children in Ogba Community of Lagos State

Television has a profound influence on children’s socialization, learning and behaviour, often linked to the internalization of violence and anti-social norms. This study examines parental mediation practices aimed at reducing the negative effects of violent television content among children aged 5–12 years in Ogba, Lagos State. Employing a survey methodology, data were collected from 379 parents selected from four purposively selected schools. Analysis indicates that majority of parents actively mediate their children’s viewing habits by discussing content and imposing restrictions, with 75.7% engaging in active mediation. Multiple linear regression results reveal that parental age and marital status significantly influence mediation practices, suggesting that older and married parents are more likely to intervene. The study supports the priming effects theory, which postulates that exposure to televised violence can activate aggressive behaviours. Findings revealed that parents who engage in active mediation report more positive behavioural outcomes in their children compared to those who do not intervene. Recommendations include the promotion of media literacy programs for children, structured parental guidance, and meticulous regulatory supervision of television content. The study highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder approaches to mitigate the adverse effects of television violence, offering implications for parents, educators, and policy makers.