Should children
participate in reality shows? Reality shows have adverse effects on children
with some even classifying it as child labour. Children are not yet old enough
to face the pressures and stress of reality shows. The pressure to perform well
can lead to frustration in children participating in reality shows.
Nowadays there is a great increase in the number of reality
shows on television. Many of these are shows which have children participating
as contestants.
While reality shows featuring children may cause television
ratings to go up, there is another grim reality. The pressure which the
children participating in these shows face is immense and has proved fatal too
in some cases.
Expert Opinion
According to psychologists and other experts reality shows
for children are not a healthy concept. These children are under a lot of
stress. The harsh comments of the judges at times can be difficult for them to
handle. Adults are mature and can handle criticism and failure
well, but children have still not reached that level of maturity.
They may take criticism or rude remarks very seriously. They
may feel humiliated if they are given a negative comment on their performance
on national television.
In fact, adults themselves find it tough to handle the
pressure of reality shows, so one can imagine how difficult it is for children.
The fear of rejection makes them put more pressure on
themselves.
According to experts, children who participate in reality
shows achieve sudden fame. Everybody knows them and suddenly they are in the
limelight. When they are not in the limelight anymore and the fame suddenly
fades away, they find it difficult to cope. Not every child is able to take it
and it can result in deep frustration or at times even thoughts of self-harm.
Pressure by Parents
Many parents push their children to perform better. They put
too much pressure on the children. Also, some parents put so much pressure on the
children that when the children get negative remarks on their performances they
are afraid to face their parents.
Sometimes the reason for pressurizing their kids to
participate in the reality shows is the allurement of the big amount of prize
money. Many a time, the big prize money is the reason parents put pressure on
their children to participate in the reality shows. Sometimes, the children are
not talented enough or passionate enough but still the parents push them to
participate in these shows because of attractive amounts of money
which they hope to win.
Parents have too much expectation from their children.
Parents should also be realistic and keep in mind the physical and mental
capabilities of the child. Even apart from reality shows these kind of parents
put too much pressure on their children in matters related to academics and
other extra-curricular activities as well.
Effects of Reality
Shows on Children
There is endless amount of practice required in reality
shows. The long hours of practice and rehearsals can become very physically
tiring. There have been instances of adults collapsing on the sets because of
exhaustion. These long hours of practice practically drain all energy from a
person.
The time spent while rehearsing for reality shows is a lot.
The studies
and other activities of the child may suffer. These shows might come and go,
but parents should not allow the academics of the child to get affected.
Many a time these children have to compromise on their homework
or preparation of exams because of these reality shows. They spend long hours
of precious time waiting and waiting for their turn in front of the camera.
Many a time these children are exposed to adult jokes and
adult content on these shows.
Some people even consider a child participating in reality
shows as child labour because the child labour law prevents children under the
age of 14 working.
Cases of Fatal
Consequences
In India,
a young girl who was a reality show participant suffered a paralytic attack
reportedly because of the harsh comments of the judges on her performance in a
reality show.
Another case highlights the fatal consequences of a
children’s reality show.
An 11 year old allegedly committed suicide because her
parents barred her from participating more in a dance reality show.
Experts advice that children should be taught how to
deal with failure before hand itself. They should be explained how to deal with
frustration. Parents should not be so glamour struck and pressurize the
children just for fame or star-status. Children should have a strong support
system in case of failure.
