Relationship between Exposure to Violent Content on the Media and Aggressive Behaviour among Adolescent Learners in Western Region, Kenya

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between exposure to violent media content and aggressive behavior among adolescent secondary school students in Kakamega, Kisii, and Siaya Counties, Kenya. These counties have relatively high media technology access, particularly mobile phones and radio, which exceed national averages. They also report notable incidences of student aggression, with Siaya and Kisii counties showing high rates of student unrest. Grounded in Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, the study utilized a mixed-method approach, adopting descriptive survey and correlational research designs. A sample of 417 students was drawn from a population of 190,555, selected using stratified random sampling method. Data collection involved questionnaires, content analysis, and the Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument (APRI). A pilot study conducted in Vihiga County confirmed the reliability of the instruments, with a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.87. The study revealed a significant correlation between aggression and exposure to violent content on television (r = 0.211, p = 0.000), with television identified as the most substantial contributor to aggression (B = 0.218, p = 0.001). Notably, 46% of adolescents in Kakamega, Kisii, and Siaya reported constant exposure to violent media, while 11% frequently imitated the violence observed, primarily on mobile phones. Additionally, 9% of respondents justified the violence they encountered, and 56.5% exhibited mild violent tendencies. The study recommends stricter enforcement of media violence regulations, including enhanced penalties and parental guidance ratings, alongside the introduction of media literacy programs in schools. Additionally, it calls for limiting unsupervised internet access for minors, particularly in public cybercafes, to mitigate the negative influence of violent media content.