“Some people are old at 18 and some are young at 90; age is just a concept that humans created.”
Brunette Tshuma
Television serves as both an entertainment and educational resource for children, exposing them to diverse programs that help them understand various aspects of life.
In many African households, the hour of 8 PM acts as a bedtime signal for children, shielding them from the more adult-oriented content that follows.
However, while cartoons are traditionally perceived as “safe” viewing for children, one must ask: Are recent trends in cartoon content truly safe for our youth?
A controversial topic within African and Christian communities is the portrayal of witchcraft—specifically witches and wizards—in children’s programming.
“This is not a subject for children,” one concerned parent stated, “yet cartoons are now teaching them about these dark practices.”
From spell chanting to broom-riding, such content has inadvertently introduced innocent young minds to ideas associated with a “dark world,” potentially instilling fear and anxiety while distorting traditional beliefs.
The issue extends beyond the themes presented; language used in many children’s shows also raises concerns. While most programs aim to avoid vulgar language, some still contain mild profanity and suggestive humor.
“What kind of content triggers a child’s mind to explore ideas that they shouldn’t be exposed to at such a young age?” questioned an educator.
This can lead to a shift in moral behavior, pushing children towards more aggressive attitudes.
Adding to these concerns is the recent introduction of LGBTQ+ characters in popular cartoon series like “Regular Show.”
This practice remains contentious in Zimbabwe, where acceptance is still far away from reality. As one social commentator noted,
“The idea of ‘Catch them while still young’ is being employed to implant ideologies in children, paving the way for future acceptance of practices that many still struggle to understand.”
Although Zimbabwe’s Broadcasting Services Act prohibits the airing of such content on local television channels, online platforms and popular networks like DSTV present a different reality.
“The presence of parental control features on DSTV raises questions about their effectiveness,” a parent remarked.
“How can we trust these controls when the very content we’re trying to shield our children from is still accessible?”
The audio component of these cartoons compounds the issue, as the music often contains harmful lyrics that promote violence, aggression, and discriminatory language.
“Some of these lyrics are linked to feelings of depression and low self-esteem in children,” warned a child psychologist.
“This could lead to dangerous thoughts and behaviors, including suicidal ideation.”
In essence, what distinguishes these shows as cartoons is merely their visual graphics; the underlying content can thrust children into an early confrontation with adulthood and its associated complexities.
As we navigate this modern landscape, the question remains: Are we truly safeguarding our children, or are we inadvertently ushering them into a world they are not ready to face?
Zim GBC News©2024