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Title: Breaking the Silence: Pakistani Media's Role in Shaping Parental Attitudes and Practices on Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Mubashir Saeed, Wajeeh Hayder, Muhammad Naseem Anwar, Nasir Ullah
Journal: International Journal of Human and Society (IJHS)
Publisher: Educational Scholarly Horizons
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2024
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Language: English
In an era of increasing accessibility to electronic media platforms in Pakistan, concerns about child exposure to harmful content, including child sexual abuse (CSA), have escalated. This study investigates parental attitudes and practices in addressing CSA portrayal in Pakistani electronic media, aiming to develop effective strategies for protecting children. Understanding parental attitudes and practices is crucial to devise effective strategies for safeguarding children against such content. A study was conducted to investigate the difference in attitude, and practices towards the portrayal of child sexual abuse on HUM TV and private news channels among parents who are viewers and non-viewers. A mixed methods approach was employed, utilizing closed-ended surveys, gender-segregated focused group discussions, and semi-structured interviews with parents and stakeholders. Data was collected with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error, supplemented by an additional 10% sample to account for attrition and non-responsiveness. The study explores the level of parental monitoring of children’s media consumption and strategies employed to address CSA-related content. It also examines the perceived role of television, social media, and streaming services in exposing children to CSA. Through contributing to existing knowledge on parental attitudes and practices regarding CSA portrayal, the findings shed light on the challenges faced by parents and inform the development of targeted interventions, educational campaigns, and policies to safeguard children. It is anticipated that these research findings will serve as a catalyst for further initiatives aimed at protecting children from potential harm.
To investigate parental attitudes and practices in Pakistan regarding the portrayal of child sexual abuse (CSA) in electronic media, and to develop effective strategies for protecting children.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with parents and stakeholders, focused group discussions with gender divisions, and closed-ended surveys. Data was gathered using a 10% sample to account for attrition, with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error and non-responsiveness. The study also employed the KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) model and Cultivation Theory as its theoretical framework.
graph TD;
A["Data Collection: Interviews, FGDs, Surveys"] --> B["Data Analysis: Quantitative & Qualitative"];
B --> C["Theoretical Framework Application: KAP Model, Cultivation Theory"];
C --> D["Hypothesis Testing"];
D --> E["Findings & Discussion"];
E --> F["Conclusion & Recommendations"];
The study highlights the dual role of Pakistani media: it serves as a crucial source of information and awareness regarding child sexual abuse, yet its sensationalized or inappropriate portrayals can also induce fear and, in some cases, fail to uphold ethical standards for child protection. The findings suggest a gap in parental education on CSA, with children often learning about sensitive topics from less reliable sources. The research underscores the need for media literacy and responsible reporting to effectively protect children.
- Media exposure, particularly television, significantly increases parental awareness and knowledge of child sexual abuse.
- Exposure to media portrayals of CSA instills fear in parents regarding their children's susceptibility to abuse.
- Parents are not adequately educating their children about child sexual abuse through comprehensive sexuality education.
- Ethical considerations are often not fully adhered to in the media's portrayal of child sexual abuse, with many viewers finding such depictions vulgar or inappropriate.
Pakistani media plays a significant role in shaping parental attitudes and practices concerning child sexual abuse. While media exposure enhances awareness, there is a critical need for more ethical reporting and for parents to actively engage in educating their children about CSA. Targeted interventions, educational campaigns, and policy development are essential to safeguard children from potential harm.
- Approximately 60% of Pakistan's population is under 25 years old, with around 25% between the ages of 10 and 19.
- The drama series "Udaari" addressed child sexual abuse and aimed to encourage victims to feel no shame.
- The Kasur scandal, involving long-term sexual abuse of children, occurred in 2015.
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