INFLUENCE EXPOSURE TO NEWS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN ON TELEVISION IMPACTS PARENTS’ ANXIETY IN BOJONGBATA VILLAGE

Abstract

Sexual violence against minors is becoming increasingly prevalent annually. Almost all television news programs frequently feature reports of sexual violence perpetrated against minors. While such news may enlighten parents about contemporary crime trends, it may also instill in them apprehension regarding the protection of their children. This sense of fear can motivate parents to safeguard their children from uncomfortable situations or becoming victims concerning sexual assault. The objective of this research endeavor is to examine the impact of television news coverage of child sexual abuse on the apprehension levels of parents residing in Bojongbata village.This research is grounded in the theory of agenda setting. Scientists conduct quantitative research. This study's population comprised of mothers aged 30 to 50 years with children aged 7 to 15 years in Bojongbata village, with 76 respondents selected using a purposive selection technique. As part of this investigation, data is gathered via a questionnaire. Using descriptive statistics and straightforward linear regression tests, the data were analyzed. The results of the research indicated that parental anxiety levels were positively impacted by television coverage of child sexual assault (t count > t table; 5.150 > 1.992). The magnitude of the influence is 26.4%; the remaining 73.6% is influenced by extraneous variables not included in this study.