RESEARCH REPORT

Task: Writing an entertainment educational communication research report

Course Code and Name: MSJ 4161 Entertainment Education Communication

Project Name: “Entertainment Education Communication And Its Impact On Children’s Learning In Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Parental Perspectives On Youtube Engagement”

Project Date: Fall 2023

Project Type:  Individual

Project Completed on Semester No: 12

CI Theme of the Term: United Nation Decades on Ecosystem Restoration

Project Description:

This study looks at the potential of YouTube’s entertainment-education content to influence learning in children within Bangladesh. The focus of this study has been targeted toward the assessment of how parents may perceive the learning value of YouTube videos and the correlated cognitive and behavioral consequences for children. Based on survey data from parents of children aged 1-7, this study examines the balance between educational and entertainment content and its alignment with the SDGs.

Project Justification:

As digital platforms like YouTube continue to play an integral part in the education and entertainment of children in Bangladesh, understanding parental perceptions is important. This study takes up the need of knowing how parents perceive the educational versus entertaining value of YouTube content and its impact on their children. In view of increased consumption of digital media, findings from this study will be very important in ensuring that children can optimize their learning and responsible use of media to support the SDGs.

DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA STUDIES AND JOURNALISM

Course Name: Entertainment Education Communication

Course Code: MSJ4161

Term: Fall 2023

Section: 01

Final Group Project: Producing a Research studies on Entertainment Education and Its impact on the people Bangladesh

Total Marks: 40

Submitted To

Dilshad Hossain Dodul

Senior Lecturer

Bachelor of Social Science

Media Studies and Journalism Department

University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)

Delivered By:

Zakia Sultana Sanam, ID: 201012045

Mehzabeen Akanda, ID: 163012066

Rawshan Jamir Sovon, ID: 161012065Date of Submission: Friday, December 22th, 2023, 12:00

“ENTERTAINMENT EDUCATION COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN’S LEARNING IN BANGLADESH: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF PARENTAL PERSPECTIVES ON YOUTUBE ENGAGEMENT”

Written by Zakia Sultana Sanam, Mehzabeen Akanda and Rawshan Jamir Sovon

Abstract:

With a particular focus on YouTube content, this research monograph explores the effects of entertainment education communication on Bangladesh’s general populace. The study aims to analyze the role of digital entertainment, its potential benefits and challenges in shaping societal behaviors and attitudes. It draws insights from a comprehensive survey conducted among parents (age group of 20-35 years) of children aged 1-7 on parental perspectives regarding children’s YouTube engagement. In order to encourage constructive sociocultural changes, it also looks at possible alignments with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background:

In the contemporary digital landscape, YouTube has become an indispensable part of children’s daily routines, offering a diverse range of content encompassing both education and entertainment. This chapter sets the stage by acknowledging the transformative impact of digital platforms, particularly YouTube, on the lives of children, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of parental perspectives.

1.2 Objectives:

The primary objectives include:

  • Understanding parental attitudes toward educational and entertainment content on YouTube.
  • Assessing the perceived impact of YouTube on children’s learning, behavior, and development.
  • Exploring parental involvement, concerns, and recommendations regarding YouTube usage.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 Entertainment Education Communication:

The literature on YouTube’s role in early childhood language development is an important facet of Entertainment Education Communication. Several studies focus on the utilization of YouTube children’s educational videos to enhance early childhood English language proficiency. Kilag et al. (June 2023) present a qualitative exploration of parental perceptions, emphasizing the use of varied videos, including vocabulary, songs, nursery rhymes, grammar, and sentence structures. The study identifies benefits such as improved language skills but also acknowledges concerns like addiction and exposure to inappropriate content. This aligns with the broader framework of Entertainment Education Communication, emphasizing the use of media for educational purposes.

Similarly, Auliya and Fadlilah (January 2019) delve into the impact of YouTube videos on toddlers’ vocabulary acquisition, emphasizing the importance of content quality. The study explores the positive aspects of educational content while raising awareness of the potential negative consequences. This aligns with the broader concept of entertainment education, where media serves both educational and entertainment purposes.

2.2 Digital Learning Trends in Bangladesh:

While the provided research abstracts primarily focus on early childhood language development through YouTube, it’s essential to extrapolate insights that align with broader digital learning trends in Bangladesh.

The study by Qadri and Akram investigates the role of YouTube in the language development of toddlers, emphasizing the crucial early years for language acquisition. Although the focus is on language, the findings can be correlated with digital learning trends, reflecting the increasing use of online platforms like YouTube for educational purposes.

Moreover, Caldeiro Pedreira et al. (July 2022) offer insights into the content children consume on YouTube, emphasizing its role as a third educational agent. This aligns with the digital learning landscape, highlighting the influence of online platforms on children’s knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes.

In Bangladesh, where digital access is growing, understanding parental perspectives on platforms like YouTube becomes vital. The literature reviewed provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with YouTube content for young children. As digital learning continues to evolve in Bangladesh, these studies contribute to our understanding of how platforms like YouTube can shape early childhood education.

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Objective:

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the impact of Entertainment Education Communication, specifically focusing on YouTube, on the mass population of Bangladesh. The survey responses provide valuable insights into parental perspectives on children’s YouTube engagement, offering a foundation for exploring the alignment of these perspectives with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

3.2 Study Design:

The study employs a quantitative research design, utilizing survey methodology to gather responses from 40 participants. The diverse demographics, including urban and rural locations, provide a comprehensive understanding of YouTube’s impact on children across different settings.

3.3 Study Approach:

A mixed-methods approach is adopted, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights from open-ended survey questions. This approach allows for a nuanced exploration of parental attitudes and behaviors regarding children’s YouTube usage.

3.4 Data Collection:

Data collection involves a voluntary survey aimed at parents within the age group of 20-35 years with toddlers or children aged 1-7 years. The survey covers various aspects, including content preferences, motivations, impact assessment, and parental involvement.

3.5 Outcome:

The survey outcomes reveal a prevalent trend of YouTube usage for both educational and entertainment purposes among children in Bangladesh. The literature review will discuss these findings in the context of global digital learning trends and shed light on the potential implications for sustainable development.

Chapter 4: In-Depth Findings

4.1 Demographics:

  • The survey engaged 40 participants, reflecting a mix of urban (69.2%) and rural (30.8%) locations, providing diverse perspectives on children’s YouTube engagement.

4.2 Content Preferences for Learning:

4.2.1 YouTube Usage for Learning:

  • Duration: Participants reported varying durations of YouTube usage by their children, with 32.5% allowing more than 3 hours daily.
  • Educational Content Frequency: 45% mentioned daily use for educational content, indicating a significant reliance on YouTube for learning.

4.2.2 Motivation for Educational Content:

  • Diverse Motivations: Personal interest (62.5%) and parental encouragement (52.5%) were prominent motivators, showing a positive influence on children’s learning habits.

4.2.3 Effectiveness of YouTube for Education:

  • Perceived Effectiveness: The majority (60%) found YouTube somewhat effective for educational purposes, showcasing its impact on children’s learning experiences.

4.2.4 Preferred Educational Content:

  • Popular Subjects: Science and Technology (65%), Arts and Crafts (57.5%), and Mathematics (37.5%) were among the top subjects parents encouraged, highlighting a diverse range of educational interests.

4.3 Content Preferences for Entertainment:

4.3.1 Entertainment Usage Patterns:

  • Frequency and Duration: A significant majority (70%) reported daily usage, with 35% allowing more than 2 hours daily for entertainment content.

4.3.2 Preferred Entertainment Content:

  • Animation Dominance: Animation (67.5%), DIY/Crafts (60%), and Gaming Videos (42.5%) emerged as top preferences, reflecting a strong inclination towards visually engaging and interactive content.

4.3.3 Comparison with Traditional Media:

  • Preference for YouTube: A substantial 71.8% found their children preferring YouTube content over traditional TV shows or movies for entertainment.

4.3.4 Concerns About Entertainment Content:

  • Behavioral Impact: 72.5% expressed concerns about the impact of excessive exposure to entertainment content on children’s behavior.

4.4 Impact Assessment:

4.4.1 Educational Impact:

  • Positive Perception: 52.5% believed YouTube has a positive impact on children’s learning, emphasizing its potential as an educational tool.

4.4.2 Behavioral Impact:

  • Varied Perspectives: While 62.5% maintained a neutral stance on behavioral impact, 15% perceived a very negative impact, indicating the need for closer examination.

4.4.3 Observations of Changes:

  • Behavioral Changes: 42.5% observed negative changes in their children’s behavior linked to YouTube content, signaling potential concerns.

4.4.4 Screen Time and Health:

  • Majority Concern: 62.5% believed that YouTube content contributes to screen time-related health issues for children, raising awareness about the potential health impact.

4.5 Parental Involvement:

4.5.1 Active Discussions:

  • Moderate Engagement: While 33.3% engaged regularly, 46.2% discussed YouTube content occasionally with their children, emphasizing the need for ongoing conversations.

4.5.2 Time Limit Enforcement:

  • Varied Approaches: Always (42.1%) and often (26.3%) were the predominant responses, highlighting the diverse strategies parents employ in managing screen time.

4.5.3 Monitoring Involvement:

  • Balanced Monitoring: Parents were evenly distributed in their involvement levels, with 38.5% being very involved and 38.5% moderately involved, indicating a balanced approach.

4.5.4 Active Search for Educational Content:

  • Positive Trend: 56.4% actively sought educational content, showcasing a proactive role in curating their children’s online experiences.

4.6 Recommendations:

4.6.1 Enhancing Educational Value:

• 76.9% suggest stricter content guidelines and age-appropriate ratings.

• 51.3% recommend collaboration with educational experts and institutions.

• 51.3% advocate for increased parental controls and monitoring features.

• 51.3% propose incorporation of interactive elements in educational videos.

• 56.4% support clear categorization of content by subject and grade level.

4.6.2 Safety and Benefits Enhancement:

• 69.2% believe in the need for awareness campaigns on responsible YouTube usage.

• 64.1% suggest enhanced content filtering to prevent exposure to inappropriate material.

• 53.8% support strict age verification processes for account creation.

• 59% recommend improved reporting mechanisms for inappropriate content or behavior.

• 53.8% call for increased transparency in content algorithms and recommendations.

• 61.5% believe there should be stricter regulations on the type of content available to children on YouTube.

Chapter 5: Analysis and Discussion

5.1 Connecting with SDGs:

The survey on parental perspectives regarding children’s YouTube engagement provides valuable insights into the alignment of YouTube content with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of Bangladesh. The findings reveal a significant impact of YouTube on children’s learning, creativity, and overall development. The following SDGs are particularly relevant:

SDG 4: Quality Education

The survey indicates that a majority of parents actively encourage their children to watch educational content on YouTube, considering it a valuable supplement to formal education. The identified educational content spans various subjects, including science and technology, mathematics, language and literature, history, and arts. Recommendations for enhancing the educational value of YouTube content, such as collaboration with educational experts, clear categorization, and integration with school curricula, align with SDG 4’s focus on providing inclusive and quality education.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Parents express concerns about the potential health impact of excessive screen time due to YouTube content. The majority believe that YouTube contributes to screen time-related health issues for children. Awareness campaigns on responsible YouTube usage for parents and children, along with measures like time limits and customizable parental controls, are recommended to address these concerns and promote healthier screen time practices.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequality

The survey highlights the diverse content preferences of children, encompassing educational videos, animations, DIY projects, and entertainment content. The positive impact of YouTube on children’s development, including exposure to different cultures and perspectives, contributes to reducing inequality by providing access to a variety of content irrespective of geographical or socio-economic factors.

5.2 Enhancing Educational Value:

The analysis indicates that YouTube is a widely utilized platform for educational purposes, with parents acknowledging its effectiveness in enhancing children’s knowledge and skills. The identified positive impacts include improved educational knowledge, enhanced creativity, exposure to diverse perspectives, and positive influences on social skills and friendships.

Recommendations for Enhancing Educational Value:

• Stricter content guidelines and age-appropriate ratings are proposed to ensure the quality and suitability of educational content.

• Collaboration with educational experts and institutions is suggested to maintain accuracy and relevance in educational videos.

• Increased parental controls and monitoring features are recommended to empower parents in guiding their children’s educational content consumption.

• Incorporation of interactive elements and assessments within educational videos is proposed to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.

• Clear categorization of content by subject and grade level is emphasized to facilitate targeted educational content discovery.

These recommendations aim to optimize the educational value of YouTube content, aligning with the broader goal of promoting quality education and lifelong learning.

5.3 Balancing Entertainment and Education:

The survey underscores the dual role of YouTube in catering to both educational and entertainment needs. While a significant portion of parents actively encourage their children to watch educational content, the analysis reveals a substantial daily engagement with YouTube for entertainment purposes.

Balancing Entertainment and Education:

• Animation emerges as a highly preferred entertainment content, aligning with the positive impact of cartoons on language acquisition mentioned in the literature review.

• Parents express concerns about the potential negative impact of excessive exposure to entertainment content on behavior, indicating the need for a balance between entertainment and other activities.

Recommendations for Balancing Entertainment and Education:

• Stricter regulations on the type of content available to children on YouTube are suggested to ensure age-appropriate and safe entertainment.

• Implementation of customizable parental controls and clear labeling of content suitable for different age groups are proposed to empower parents in managing their children’s entertainment choices.

The analysis emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between educational and entertainment content, ensuring that children’s screen time is not only enjoyable but also conducive to their overall well-being and development.

Chapter 6: Conclusion

6.1 Key Takeaways:

The survey reveals several key takeaways regarding parents’ perspectives on children’s YouTube engagement. Parents acknowledge the prevalence of YouTube in their children’s lives, with a significant portion of children spending considerable time on the platform for both educational and entertainment purposes. The content preferences vary, showcasing a diverse range from educational subjects like science and technology to entertaining genres like animations and DIY projects. Despite concerns about potential negative impacts, a majority of parents believe that YouTube contributes positively to their children’s learning and development.

6.2 Contribution to Knowledge:

This survey significantly contributes to understanding parental attitudes and behaviors regarding children’s YouTube engagement. The findings shed light on the motivations behind children’s content consumption, the types of content preferred, and the perceived impacts on learning and behavior. This knowledge is crucial for educators, content creators, and policymakers seeking to create a more informed and responsible digital environment for young audiences.

6.3 Contribution to SDGs

The survey’s insights align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the importance of quality education (SDG 4) and promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3) for children. The findings highlight the potential of YouTube as an educational tool, positively impacting children’s knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking skills. However, it also addresses concerns related to screen time and exposure to inappropriate content, contributing to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages.

Chapter 7: Recommendations

7.1 For Content Creators:

• Collaborate with educational experts to ensure the development of age-appropriate and enriching content.

• Incorporate interactive elements in educational videos to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.

• Create content that aligns with school curricula, fostering a seamless integration of online and formal education.

• Regularly update content to maintain accuracy and relevance, providing a dynamic learning experience.

7.2 For Educators:

• Collaborate with YouTube content creators to bridge the gap between formal education and online learning.

• Utilize YouTube as a supplementary resource by recommending specific educational channels aligned with curricular objectives.

7.3 For Parents:

• Actively engage in discussions with children about their YouTube content to understand their preferences and provide guidance.

• Set reasonable time limits on children’s YouTube usage to balance screen time with other activities.

• Use available parental controls to monitor and filter content, ensuring a safe online environment for children.

• Seek out educational content actively, supplementing formal education with enriching online resources.

• 7.4 For YouTube and Policymakers:

• Implement stricter content guidelines and age-appropriate ratings to enhance child safety.

• Collaborate with educational institutions to develop content that complements formal education.

• Increase transparency in content algorithms and recommendations to build trust among parents.

• Launch awareness campaigns on responsible YouTube usage to educate both parents and children about online safety.

• Acknowledgments:

We express our sincere gratitude to all the parents who participated in this survey, sharing their valuable insights and contributing to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of children’s YouTube engagement. Their time and thoughtful responses have been instrumental in shaping the findings of this research. Additionally, we acknowledge the collaborative efforts of content creators, educators, and policymakers in creating a safer and more enriching online environment for children. Last but not the least, special gratitude goes to our course facilitator, Dilshad Hossain Dodul for encouraging us to continue with this research.

References:

01. Kilag, O. K. T., Heyrosa-Malbas, M., Arcillo, M. T., & Barcena, M. C. (2023). The role of YouTube children’s educational videos in enhancing early childhood English language. . . ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371609647_The_Role_of_YouTube_Children’s_Educational_Videos_in_Enhancing_Early_Childhood_English_Language_Proficiency_An_Investigation_of_Parental_Perceptions#:~:text=The%20study%20suggests%20that%20YouTube,as%20inappropriate%20content%20and%20addiction..

02. Auliya, N. S., & Fadlilah, A. (2018). The impact of YouTube videos of children in English for toddler 2-4 years old. Social Science Research Network. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3305786

03. Qadri, M. R. (2020, December 23). A study to investigate the role of Youtube in language development of toddlers. https://cerjournal.com/index.php/cerjournal/article/view/13

04. Caldeiro-Pedreira, M., Renés-Arellano, P., Abdul, B. C., & Aguaded, I. (2022). YouTube videos for young children: an exploratory study. Digital Education Review, 41, 32–43. https://doi.org/10.1344/der.2022.41.32-43

05. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/2702123.2702266

06. https://journal.unj.ac.id/unj/index.php/ijlecr/article/view/15168

07. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2056305117707189

08. http://languageinindia.com/feb2020/shaheenimpactcartoonslanguageacquisition.pdf

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Appendices:


Appendices:

Learnings and Outcomes (Self-reflection):

  • • Gained valuable insight into the perceptions of parents on the role of YouTube in educating and entertaining their children. 
  • • Improved skills in the design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative research, including surveying and data analysis. 
  • • Developed research skills for conducting extensive literature reviews, matching educational trends with the impacts of digital media. 
  • • Identified digital literacy as an integral part of children’s upbringing in the modern world and what that entails when developing educational contents.
  • • Gained insight on the ethics surrounding children’s media consumption and involved parenting.
  • • Linked with the research findings to SDGs: specifically SDG 4, Quality Education; SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being; and SDG 10, Reduced Inequality.
  • • Developed practical recommendations for content creators, educators, parents, and policymakers to enhance educational value and ensure safe digital environments for children.
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