Cartoons and video games are the most frequent and easily accessible source of entertainment for kids . Due to the vastness of media, a single click provides outnumbered websites and channels for kids to get entertained. Outdoor activities are replaced with T.V. sets, LCDs, computers, laptops, PSPs etc. It’s convenient for parents to provide such devices to children than to give their previous time and engage their already tired mind and body to play with them. However, elders are unaware of certain effects these cartoons and games are bombarding on psychological development of children, later on displayed in their behavioral pattern.
Cartoons from fairy tales like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Cinderella’ to action-based shows like ‘Ben-10′, ‘X-Men’, ‘Pokemon’, ‘Spider-Man’; Or games for instance called as ‘Counter Strike’, ‘Grand Theft Auto.’; and even ‘Barbie dress up games’, ‘Candy Crush’, and ‘Subway Surfers’ are extremely famous for a long time among kids of ages 4-19.At ages from 4-10, children consider these things to be real and couldn’t differentiate between fantasy and reality. Likewise, they believe that if ‘Jerry’ remains unharmed after getting smashed by ‘Tom’, so can they. Captured by the fantasies, most boys wants to fight like ‘Iron Man’, ‘John Cena’, ‘The Rock’ or so. Whereas, the girls are intensely influenced by the glamorous tales of ‘Barbie’ & ‘Winx Club’; also they want to dress like them and go to ‘Ball Dances’. These impressions shouldn’t be encouraged, as our religion and culture prohibits them.
One the contrary, there are alot of cartoons and games that teach kids and teenagers moral values, provide nourishment to brains. Similarly, these shows enhances their mind capabilities. Programs like ‘Blues Clues’, ‘Dora,the Explorers’, ‘Bob, the Builder’, ‘M.A.D’,’F.A.Q’,’Baby TV’, and even early Pakistani programs like ‘Muslim scientists k Kaarnamey’ & ‘Science Club’ plays an important role in building up brains and enhances creativity.
Now, the most important thing to do is elders should give time to kids and play outdoor games like cricket, soccer or Pakram Pakrai. Indoor games should involve good board games. Elders should keep keen observation on children’s activities and make them realize that these fantasy things aren’t true. Parents should have interrogation sessions with youngones and clear their controversial and ambiguous concepts. Thus, it will produce a positive impact on children’s minds and will create a healthy, developing environment.
Afia Ahmed,
University Of Karachi
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