Impact of Television on Children Psyche An Analytical Study of Cartoon Channels with Special reference to Hungama TV

Abstract

Children have impressionable mind and the forces that shape their mind are mostly found in the environment where they grow up. Psychologists have proved that a child s mind is very fast in acquiring and imitating anything they are exposed to. Television has assumed central role in children s daily lives. It has a great impact on various aspects of child s life. Television especially cartoons play a vital role in changing the behaviour of school going children. It has brought great changes to the way many children spend their leisure time. An average child, born today spends more time watching TV than going to school or any other activity. Television viewing has potentially profound effects, both positive and negative on children behaviour, social and mental development. They are getting lazier in their life as they entertain themselves by watching cartoons instead of playing physical games. Parent s upbringing and involvement also play a crucial role in child s development. Children behave like the heroes of their favourite cartoon programmes. They involve themselves to the extent of adopting their talking, walking, dressing and eating habits. Though cartoons are a good source of entertainment but these days cartoons show lot of violence. While, less time given by parents to their children is also a factor. Research has shown that excessive television viewing is associated with the development of aggressive behaviour, dropped academic performance, impeded language development and disturbed eating habits. No doubt, it is a newlinematter of great concern to educationists, planners and psychologists worldwide. Taking into consideration the increasing exposure of children to television; I have conducted a research to understand the effects of TV on children psyche especially cartoons and what role does parents play in it. newline