Children’s Early Development and the Influence of Violence in Cartoons: A Qualitative Inquiry

Technology now plays a central role in the everyday lives of people across all age groups, from infants to the elderly. From the earliest stages of life, children are introduced to digital devices and media such as smartphones and smart TVs. For many young children, particularly those under eight years old, cartoons serve as a primary source of entertainment. As technology has advanced, the way content is produced and presented has also evolved. Media companies are increasingly designing cartoon content to appeal specifically to young viewers, with many television networks dedicating time slots exclusively to cartoons to boost their audience ratings. In recent years, cartoons featuring violent themes have become particularly popular among children. Such content may lead to increased aggression, antisocial behavior, and the use of inappropriate language. Exposure to violent cartoons can also contribute to psychological issues such as fear, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and emotional stress in children. These effects can be deep and long-lasting, particularly for young children who spend significant time consuming such media. This study aims to examine how violent cartoon content affects early childhood development and behavior among children in Godawari Municipality. The research seeks to determine the extent to which exposure to violent imagery in cartoons contributes to aggressive behavior, fear, anger, and anxiety in young children. Although cartoons are traditionally meant to entertain and amuse, many now feature disturbing scenes involving violence, fighting, bloodshed, and harm. Therefore, it is crucial for parents, teachers, and caregivers to understand and assess the potential impact of such media on children's well-being. The motivation behind this study is to investigate how children's behavior is influenced by the violent content they encounter in cartoons.