Cartoons Are Some of the Most Violent Shows Children Watch

To all parents out there, be very aware of the hidden dangers of so called "children's" cartoons. From the old time favorites like Bugs Bunny to the new ones like Spongebob Square Pants children really like their cartoons. However, have parents ever really taken the time to watch one of these cartoons? If not, you may want to.

Several years ago a seven year old little boy pushed his five year old sister off a cliff saying "She will bounce back up just like in the cartoon." Another eight year old boy hung his sister from a rope in the closet at their home because he had seen it in a cartoon and everything turned out fine. (Since it was several years ago, I can not remember exactly where I heard this. I do know it was on television, I am just unsure of which station aired the stories. If I am not mistaken it happened in the early 1980's).

If you really think about it, even the old favorites are full of violence. "Wylie Coyote" was always out to get the "Road Runner". But he always seemed to have boulders falling on him, or he fell off cliffs. Yet, he would get right back up without a scratch and go at it again.

Now where am I going with this? I just want to provide you with a few tips for when your children are watching television.

First thing...limit their television. Most people think that one hour is plenty. The rest of the time, make sure they are doing something constructive or playing (getting exercise).

Second...watch some of the shows with them. If you do not like what they see, change the channel. Sure you are going to get protest from the child. Remember, you are the adult; and you know what they need and do not need. One day they will thank you! Be strong when they cry when the channel is changed. I know it is hard not to give in when they cry and look at you with their sad little faces. But you must stick to your beliefs.

Third...if for some reason you let the child continue to watch the cartoon, make sure you explain to them (every single time they watch it) that it is a cartoon and is not real. Everything that they are doing is made up. If that were to happen in real life, people would get really hurt and die. Make sure the child knows (again explain it every single time) that cartoons should never be something they copy or mock.

Fourth...remember, children are very vulnerable. If a cartoon character says it is alright to do something, the child may actually think it is. On a personal note...My cousin's little girl actually got a cigarette, lit it, and started smoking it. Now let me tell you how old she was...five. Now let me tell you where she got the idea...you guessed it, a cartoon character. She had already "smoked" half of the cigarette before her mother caught her. Well, that put a stop to her cartoon watching days.

Fifth and the very best thing to do...do not let the child know that cartoons even exist. Televisions now have parental control so that channels can be blocked. When the child is old enough to watch television, never let them see their first cartoon (at least at their own home). Block them. If they are going to watch cartoons make sure they are ones like Clifford the Big Red Dog, Martha Speaks, Sid the Science Guy, Curious George, and/or Between the Lions et cetera. If they are cartoons that are on PBS (Channel 2 and 15 here in East Tennessee) then they should be alright since they are usually teaching cartoons.

In conclusion, parents beware of those "good old" cartoons. They could end up getting your child in a lot of trouble.

Source:

Personal experience