Romanian Children Need Non-Violent Cartoon Role Models – Liberal Deputy

Pocora said television, and cartoons especially, play an important role in children’s education. She warned about the „alarming level of violence in cartoons,” citing a study carried out on Cartoon Network, a TV channel popular with children. According to the study, the share of violence in broadcasts aimed at children increased more than four times between 2004 and 2008.

„In 2008, more than 22 minutes of every hour of cartoons, more than a third, portrayed violence! Furthermore, consider that there are no statistics for 2009, but this share is obviously on the rise, so there could be a lot more violence in cartoons now,” the lawmaker said.

She added modern cartoons are to blame for children using foul language and violence in social interactions. She proposed holding public debates on the topic with parents and National Audiovisual Council officials, seeking ways to promote non-violent cartoons.

On Monday, following a debate on violence in schools, liberal deputy Alina Gorghiu proposed creating a workgroup made up of NGOs, Education Ministry, Police and Social Assistance officials, which would develop legislation against this problem.