Govt. needs to step in Kids’ scene cropping up … in a big way

Peter Crouch, a former professional footballer who was capped 42
times by the England national team, has banned his daughter, 13, from
owning a mobile phone. He and his wife Abbey Clancy, an English model
and television personality, admit they place a strict set of rules for their children when it comes to technology. And they have got four kids

Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa issued a gazette notification, in December, prohibiting the featuring of children, under the age of 12 years, in advertising of food items, with effect from 01 January, 2025.

I believe regulations should also be introduced to prohibit kids being enticed to participate in pageants, as well as in modelling.

A person, claiming to be the father of two kids – six and seven years old – spoke to me and inquired whether I’ve seen, on social media, advertisements calling for kids to participate in pageants, and he quoted an incident where he called a particular advertiser just to inquire what this was all about.

He went on to say that it all sounded ridiculous, and he sent me the link.

I was perturbed, too, when I checked it out.

It indicated that the particular competition is focusing on education to promote tourism and culture among children, aged 06 to 17 years old, and three categories were mentioned: Prince and Princess – aged 06 – 09 years old; Crown Prince and Crown Princess – aged 10 – 13 years old; and King and Queen – aged 14 to 17 years old.

Promoting tourism and culture to kids? Ridiculous!

Let these kids enjoy their life as kids. Let not their kids’ life be destroyed by such activities.

The irate father went on to say that, out of curiosity, he probed for more details and was told that the local winner would have to fork out US $ 2,000 to participate in the international event.

This payment scene is not something new and I would, therefore, advice those thinking of participating in beauty pageants to check, and double check, so that your bank balance wouldn’t be at zero when it’s all over.

What upset the father further was when it was mentioned that even if his seven-year-old daughter doesn’t win the international event, when she returns she could participate in modelling assignments, for kids, and even get involved in teledramas.

Why are children marketed like this? This is very sad … brainwashing these kids. Let them be children.

I do feel for the concern of this father but I need to add that parents, too, cannot absolve themselves of the responsibility for the wellbeing of their children.

The government needs to step in and stop these activities. There should be a law prohibiting, not only kids, but those still attending school, from participating in such events.

What about their studies, their schooling, and other activities connected with school-goers? That setup is totally destroyed.

In fact, what are the school authorities doing … and the Education Department?

The parties concerned should step in now before … it’s too late for regrets!