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'Violent cartoons on parents’ hit list'
Most parents say violence in cartoons should be reduced on TV, says a study. Pallavi Polanki reports.
It’s not just gun-toting action heroes but cartoon shows that are now on the hit list of parents who want to block some cartoon channels on television.
Animated Cartoons: Capturing Children’s Imagination, a study by Manisha Goel of Delhi’s Lady Irwin college, violence in cartoons is worrying parents. “Most parents said violence in cartoons should be reduced. Children aspire to be like the characters, imitate their actions and language,” she said.
Taking on younger siblings the way cartoon characters would the bad guys, teasing classmates and threatening revenge, talking like the characters (the notorious Shin Chan, for instance) has led to many parents pulling the plug on popular cartoon channels.
“After watching the cartoons, my son begins to act like the characters, making filthy comments and arguing. It has been five months now since I blocked the channel,” said Shalini Oberoi, mother of two boys. She said her friends have blocked some of the cartoon channels too.
Child psychologist Geetanjali Kumar conducted a study on how cartoons affect children’s behaviour. “There is a rise in aggression. Children are learning to tease and become vengeful. Cartoons affect their language, their dietary habits and their concentration.”
Dubbing cartoons in Hindi, say parents, has made things worse.
Springdales School’s social worker Kirti Iyer said that parents have told her about rising violence in cartoons. “The superhero shows are especially violent. Parents are concerned about rising levels of aggression among children,” she said.
Some staff members at Hans Raj Model School have collectively decided to block certain cartoon shows and channels at home.
