Ailene Augustine, Government Law College
ABSTRACT
The strangler tree is a species found in lush forests. It begins its life as an epiphyte, innocuously growing on a host tree. Over time, its roots descend, encircling the host's trunk. As it grows, the strangler tree competes for sunlight and nutrients, gradually overtaking and compromising the host tree's growth and vitality. This natural process mirrors the pervasive nature of harmful media content in children's lives. Initially appearing benign or even beneficial, media exposure can subtly infiltrate a child's environment. What starts as innocuous viewing can progressively shape their perceptions, behaviours, and compromise their innocence. This raises a fundamental question: to what extent should children be shielded from media content to protect their innocence?
Navigating this digital landscape can be treacherous, with the lines between beneficial and harmful content often being blurred, creating a maze that is difficult and sometimes impossible to escape. As we strive to protect children in this complex environment, the need for effective content restrictions becomes ever more critical. This article delves into the intricacies of this challenge, exploring current practices, identifying crucial gaps, and proposing innovative solutions to ensure the internet remains a safe and enriching space for our youngest users.
Comments