Movies carrying scenes of intoxicated dancers gyrating wildly to songs carrying lyrics similar to nursery rhymes have not gone down well with parents and activists. They say such forms of entertainment pollute the minds of toddlers.
In an open letter, the Early Childhood Association (ECA) has appealed to the film fraternity to show sensitivity towards kids. It says children are impressionable at this age and try to imitate adults, especially actors.
"Don't pollute rhymes like Johnny Johnny to teach kids about drinking, etc. Parents find it increasingly difficult to keep them away from songs that promote such lyrics as sometimes these songs are blaring at malls, marketplaces and parties," reads the open letter.
Stressing the need for a check on content in films and television that are insensitive or can be harmful to young minds or insensitive, the NGO has suggested the government to set up a strong cell within the censor board.
"Till such a body is created, the association would like to appeal to the film and television producers and directors guild to have self-censorship within the industry, and requests its members to help promote child rights. The association is willing to share guidelines to be distributed to production houses," said ECA.
Swati Popat Vats, president of ECA India said, "The film and television industry has helped shape our society as it is today. We have many hard-hitting films that changed the way kids were perceived and treated by the public. We urge them to take a step forward and be a progressive industry which respects and nurtures the young children and is sensitive about the messages that these young minds receive from songs, dances, dialogues and films."
Echoing similar sentiments, ECA joint secretary Kamini Rege said songs, poems and rhymes are not just means for entertaining children but also help teach them important lessons and moral values. "In fact, many studies have proven that they help preserve culture, family history, and way of life."
According to Seema Hingorani, clinical psychologist, if a rhyme has been made into an entertaining film song, children may get confused with the words and won't know which one to adapt. She said, "I think the film industry should be careful about this and come out with such songs where rhymes are not involved."
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