There were significant differences between the program preferences of girls and those of boys. Girls were twice as likely to list situation comedies as their favorite programs, while boys preferred cartoons and cable programs. Can't Jump, Commando and Necessary Roughness. A few reported scanning the channels to find the best programs. Only one child said she used any type of program guide.
Children give the television more attention than adults do.
Two-thirds said they gave it their full attention, compared to only about half of adults. Our observation of the children's actual viewing behavior during the Viewing Lab sessions verified this greater attention to television. Media researchers have found that women's media behavior differs from that of men in many respects. This gender difference has been already established in the program preferences of boys compared to those of girls. Moreover, studies with adults and now with children, indicate that female viewers are more likely to engage in secondary activities than boys are while the television is on, particularly during station breaks.