Daily Times

Sir: Cartoons and video games are the most frequent and easily accessible source of entertainment for children. Due to the vastness of the media, a single click provides innumerable websites and channels for children to get entertained. Outdoor activities have been replaced by TV sets, LCDs, computers, laptops, etc. It is more convenient for parents to provide such devices to children than to give their precious time and engage their already tired minds and bodies to play with them. However, elders are unaware of certain effects these cartoons and games are having on the psychological development of children. Cartoons from fairytales like Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella to action-based shows like Ben-10, X-Men, Pokemon, Spider Man or games for instance called Counter Strike, Grand Theft Auto and even Barbie dress up games, Candy Crush, Subway Surfers are extremely famous among children.

Between the ages of four and 10, children consider these things to be real and cannot 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 want to fight like Iron Man, John Cena, The Rock or so, whereas girls are intensely influenced by the glamorous tales of Barbie and Winx Club; also they want to dress like them and go to Ball Dances.
These impressions should not be encouraged as our religion and culture prohibit them. On the other hand, there are a lot of cartoons and games that teach children and teenagers moral values and provide nourishment to brains. Similarly, they enhance their mind capabilities. Programmes like Blues Clues, Dora, the Explorers, Bob, the Builder, MAD, FAQ, Baby TV and even early Pakistani programmes like Muslim scientists ke Kaarnamey and Science Club play an important role in building up brains and enhance creativity.
Now the most important thing to do is that elders should give time to children and play outdoor games like cricket, soccer or other games involving physical activity. Indoor games should involve good board games. Elders should keenly observe children’s activities and make them realise that these fantasy things are not true. Parents should have interrogation sessions with youngsters 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
Karachi