A parental responsibility …. Saira Samo
Children are highly impressionable, often mimicking behaviours and actions they see. They are too innocent to understand the severity. The impact of violence in cartoons can influence children’s perceptions negatively. When young viewers witness characters using guns or engaging in aggressive behaviours, they consider these actions acceptable in real life. This signifies the importance of parents in guiding children to distinguish between entertainment and reality.
Cartoons have traditionally been regarded as a medium that offers imaginative stories and life lessons to young audiences. However, the content within these animations has evolved over time, often featuring scenes of violence. The concern arises from the fact that children have a limited ability to distinguish between fiction and reality, leading to misunderstandings about the consequences of violent actions.
With screens everywhere, violence in cartoons impacting young minds is a growing concern. Media educates, but violent content, especially with guns, raises questions about age-appropriateness and parental guidance for kids’ media viewing.
Age-appropriateness is a key consideration when it comes to children’s exposure to media content. While some animated shows are designed to convey educational messages and promote positive values, others depict violence that might not be suitable for young viewers. Parents must take an active role in vetting the content their children consume, ensuring that it aligns with their developmental stage and psychological readiness.
Parents are the primary gatekeepers of their children’s media exposure. This responsibility extends beyond the realm of cartoons and into the real world. The idea of children wanting to play with toy guns or replica firearms is not uncommon. While it’s natural for children to explore their surroundings and interests, it is crucial for parents to guide these impulses in a responsible and educational manner.
With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, digital devices have become a source of both entertainment and education for children. However, this convenience comes with challenges. Parents often resort to handing over mobile devices to keep their children occupied, unaware of the substantial pitfalls. Social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, while offering harmless content, can sometimes expose children to inappropriate or harmful material. The unfiltered nature of online content necessitates vigilant supervision on the part of parents. The content on YouTube, uploaded by different channels, is not always created with care.
Therefore, parents should be familiar with the platforms their children access and actively monitor the content. Discussing the viable dangers of the digital world with children empowers them to make informed decisions. Teaching digital literacy skills equips children to critically evaluate the content they encounter and take responsibility for their media consumption.
Parents wield the authority to teach practicality and positive values to their children. They should spend time with them and engage them in outdoor play to improve physical strength and boost their immune systems.
Consider a scenario where a parent introduces their child to educational video games that teach strategic thinking and decision-making. In another instance, a family allocates time for hands-on activities like gardening, sparking the child’s interest in the natural world.
Through these practical experiences, parents actively engage their children’s curiosity and support their intellectual growth. The influence of media, especially violence in cartoons, on young minds is a concern that demands thoughtful consideration. As guardians of our children’s development, we must take a proactive role in shaping their media consumption habits.
A child’s mind is very tender. It can easily be influenced and shaped. Therefore, we should inculcate positive learning. Parents have the responsibility of teaching practical skills and positive values that extend beyond screens. This helps lay the foundation for a healthier and more conscientious society. We should teach our children to be practical, understand the world through rationality, and recognise the real heroes in society.
Courtesy Express Tribune