Editors Exercise Caution! Please
Rajkumari Sharma Tankha
Every morning, the first thing I do is scan the newspapers that arrive at home. Not for the headlines, but to ensure that there is no objectionable content or imagery in them.
The reason is simple: my daughters are growing up. They are at an age where everything they see or read leaves an impression on their minds.
Increasingly, however, I find that many newspapers—especially those that call themselves leading national dailies—are publishing content that is not appropriate for children.
When Newspapers Cross the Line
What surprises me most is the kind of material that sometimes appears in newspapers. There have been instances where entire pages are devoted to photographs of “best kisses” or “romantic scenes” from movies.
This raises an important question: Who exactly is this content meant for?
Newspapers are read by people across all age groups and social backgrounds. From a rickshaw puller to a business magnate, everyone reads them. They reach homes where children, teenagers, and elderly people all share the same space.
Shouldn’t editors and publishers keep this diverse readership in mind?
Television Offers a Choice—Newspapers Do Not
Ironically, television and films often seem more responsible in this regard.
Most TV programmes clearly indicate the nature of the content at the beginning. As parents, we can decide whether a particular show is suitable for our children. We can even block certain channels if we find them inappropriate.
With newspapers, however, there is no such option. Once the paper arrives at your doorstep, everything in it becomes accessible to everyone in the household.
The Race for Readership
One wonders why some national dailies increasingly indulge in what can only be described as voyeuristic content.
Is it simply to attract more readers?
If that is the reason, it seems like a rather unfortunate way to increase circulation. Newspapers have historically been powerful instruments of social awareness and change, shaping public opinion and influencing society.
Reducing them to vehicles of sensationalism undermines that legacy.
Knowledge Must Come With Age
Some people may dismiss such concerns as being old-fashioned. But I strongly believe that there is an appropriate age for everything.
There is nothing wrong with children gaining knowledge about the world. In fact, awareness and education are essential for their development. However, information should come at the right time and in the right context.
Children today may be more technologically savvy than previous generations, but emotional and mental maturity still develops gradually with age.
The Internet Argument
A common argument is that such content is already widely available on the Internet, so there is no point in restricting it in newspapers.
But this argument overlooks an important reality.
Only a small percentage of people in India have access to the Internet, and the number of children with independent online access is even smaller.
Newspapers, on the other hand, are accessible to almost everyone. They are affordable and widely circulated, reaching homes across cities, towns, and villages.
This means that content printed in newspapers is often seen by people of all ages, whether they want to see it or not.
Impact on Young Minds
What often goes unexamined is the psychological impact such visuals may have on children.
Teachers increasingly observe behavioural changes among school students. According to one of my daughter’s teachers:
“We often notice students from Class 7 onwards engaging in behaviour like kissing or imitating what they see in media.”
She believes that constant exposure to such imagery and content influences children’s behaviour, making them curious and sometimes confused at an age when they are still emotionally developing.
“Children seem to be in a hurry to grow up,” she says. “In the process, they are losing their innocence.”
Time for Newspapers to Reflect
Newspapers have historically played a crucial role in shaping society. They have informed citizens, encouraged debate, and acted as catalysts for social change.
Perhaps it is time for them to reconsider the kind of content they publish and the audiences they serve.
After all, newspapers enter millions of homes every day. With that reach comes a certain responsibility toward readers of all ages.
Expecting newspapers to uphold that responsibility may not be unreasonable after all.
