{"id":5092,"date":"2024-10-16T08:50:40","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T08:50:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/?p=5092"},"modified":"2024-10-16T08:50:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T08:50:42","slug":"initiated-into-adulthood-through-movies-children-by-age-not-by-mind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/?p=5092","title":{"rendered":"Initiated into Adulthood Through Movies: Children by Age, Not by Mind"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“Some people are old at 18 and some are young at 90; age is just a concept that humans created.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Brunette Tshuma<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Television serves as both an entertainment and educational resource for children, exposing them to diverse programs that help them understand various aspects of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A controversial topic within African and Christian communities is the portrayal of witchcraft\u2014specifically witches and wizards\u2014in children’s programming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This is not a subject for children,” one concerned parent stated, “yet cartoons are now teaching them about these dark practices.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat kind of content triggers a child’s mind to explore ideas that they shouldn’t be exposed to at such a young age?\u201d questioned an educator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can lead to a shift in moral behavior, pushing children towards more aggressive attitudes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding to these concerns is the recent introduction of LGBTQ+ characters in popular cartoon series like “Regular Show.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This practice remains contentious in Zimbabwe, where acceptance is still far away from reality. As one social commentator noted,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe idea of \u2018Catch them while still young\u2019 is being employed to implant ideologies in children, paving the way for future acceptance of practices that many still struggle to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe presence of parental control features on DSTV raises questions about their effectiveness,\u201d a parent remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow can we trust these controls when the very content we\u2019re trying to shield our children from is still accessible?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The audio component of these cartoons compounds the issue, as the music often contains harmful lyrics that promote violence, aggression, and discriminatory language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome of these lyrics are linked to feelings of depression and low self-esteem in children,\u201d warned a child psychologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis could lead to dangerous thoughts and behaviors, including suicidal ideation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zim GBC News\u00a92024<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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