The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Books cannot be altogether done away with Very few programmes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 01, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Books cannot be altogether done away with Very few programmes

The Internet and TV can be useful sources of information but parental guidance is necessary for children to benefit from them

Very few programmes

THERE ARE very few programmes specially created for children. With the exception of some TV channels from overseas, few provide knowledge that can help in school. The Internet can be a useful source of information but not if students get addicted to "chat rooms" and adult websites. Books cannot be altogether done away with.

D.S. Manjunath,

R.T. Nagar

Poor examples

MOST CHILDREN end up watching TV programmes meant for adults, serials included. Many commercials sell "lifestyle" products and use models who by the way they dress and gesture may set poor examples to the young. The impact of some programmes on young minds is definitely harmful. They develop attitudes divorced from the realities of life and also lose interest in reading books.

Jacob Abraham,

D.B. Sandra

Guidance needed

THE WEB has many pitfalls and children aged less than 18 need to be guided as to what to watch and what to avoid. There are horror stories of teenagers getting hooked to porn sites, ending up with warped minds. An occasional, much-hyped book such as the Harry Potter series does encourage children to read books.

Usually, if the parents have the reading habit, the children too pick it up. Love for books and reading has to be cultivated from an early age.

Sudha Nagaraj,

Malleswaram

Too little time

CABLE TV and Internet cannot be avoided altogether. As they announce before beaming certain movies, "Parental Guidance" is unavoidable. Too many parents spend too little time at home to really know how their children are keeping themselves entertained. A mix of entertainment and informative programmes are what children need.

G. Krishnakumar,

Basavanagudi

NEXT WEEK: The recent Lokayukta raids on some civil servants points to the extent of corruption. But those who want to get things done by offering bribes are also at fault. Can there be a movement to curb such malpractices? Readers can send their views to The Hindu, 19&21, Bhagwan Mahaveer Road, Bangalore 560001, or bglreflections@thehindu.co.in.

R.T. Nagar

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