Kids
Escalating violence in children’s TV in the US is a crisis for parents
MUMBAI: Despite years of studies linking violence in American children with violence on television, a new survey of parents with children aged 1-6 finds that violence in children’s programming still remains a primary problem.
A poll conducted in the US has found that 82 per cent of the respondents stated that such violence is a major concern for them as parents. The poll, conducted by the American Business Research Corporation (ABRC), also found that nine in ten believed that violence in children’s programming had a serious negative impact on their children and eight in ten felt that such programming created serious behavioural problems for them as parents, now and into the future.
The study was designed to explore the content, educational and social values most sought after by parents of children at or earlier than pre-school ages, with an eye toward helping the industry develop programs more appropriately targetted to accomplish those objectives.
Earlier studies have shown that children’s TV shows can contain as many as 20 violent acts each hour and that children who watch a lot of television are more likely to think that the world is a mean and dangerous place.
Another point revealed by the ABRC poll was the fact that eight in ten parents were also extremely interested in any programming that might help their children make the transition from home life to the pre-school environment.
ABRC senior research director Karen Drew says, “Respondents believe there are just too few shows currently airing that meet their demand for non-violent, educational fare. While some cited Sesame Street, Blues Clues and Dora the Explorer as excellent programming, many expressed a strong demand for more variety”.
ABRC however adds that the message may be slowly sinking in. Both new and old entertainment companies are now working on projects to fit this bill. Nick Jr., for example, recently announced a new spin-off of its popular Dora the Explorer series based on one of that show’s characters, Diego, titled Go, Diego, Go. The show’s curriculum goals are based on using observational skills and scientific tools to learn the accurate traits of the animal featured in each day’s adventure.
Also ushering in a new trend is newcomer Corner Stone Animation which recently announced their latest series Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures. Created by pre-school teacher Betsy Quinn and award-winning animator Fred Crippen, the animated TV show for children aged 1-6, is specifically designed to be a fun, non-violent programme
that will ease the transition from home to school while imparting valuable learning and social skills needed in a school environment.
Kids
Mukta Arts and Green Gold ink MOU to animate iconic film IPs
Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan to spawn animated shows plus features.
MUMBAI: When classic hindi movie meets animation, the result is a fresh reel of nostalgia with a cartoon twist. Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on animated shows and feature films drawn from Mukta Arts’ four-decade treasure trove of iconic IPs. The partnership taps Mukta’s SGM Animation Studio launched in 2025 as its dedicated animation and games arm and Green Gold’s proven track record in building scalable, homegrown franchises. Creative teams from both sides have already kicked off discussions, with the first project currently in development.
The slate will draw inspiration from landmark Mukta films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar and Iqbal, plus character-led spin-offs from those universes. The aim is to reimagine these stories for today’s young, global audiences while preserving their emotional core.
Green Gold Animation (home of Chhota Bheem) founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”
Mukta Arts Ltd. filmmaker and founder Subhash Ghai added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”
In an industry where timeless tales never go out of fashion, this collaboration promises to bring beloved characters back to life with a modern, animated glow proving that some stories are too good to stay in live-action. Stay tuned for the first animated frame to drop.
