Review of Children and radio programs

Abstract

Reviews the book, Children and radio programs by Azriel L. Eisenberg (1936). Dr Eisenberg has studied, by means of questionnaires and interviews, the radio habits of more than 3000 children in the New York metropolitan area. These children listened to an average of seven programs per week or an average of six and a quarter hours. Some differences were noted in the listening habits between boys and girls and between different economic groups. Data are presented on the relation between listening habits and intelligence and personality ratings. The results are scarcely more than suggestive. Undesirable influences of radio listening are interference with normal play and with school work, development of fears, disturbing dreams, and exhibition of "nervousness." On the positive side it is shown that even commercial programs may make a contribution to the child's knowledge of school subjects, parents regard the radio "more as an ally than a hindrance in the training of children," the children learn desirable hygienic habits, etc. Researchers in child behavior, parents, and the broadcasting studios will all find careful study of this monograph a stimulating investment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)