The Shadow of Violence: How Films Influence Youth and the Need for Responsible Media.

A Growing Culture of Violence

The tragic incident in Venjaramoodu, Trivandrum, Kerala, where a young man allegedly committed multiple murders, has shaken our collective conscience. It raises an unsettling question: Are we becoming desensitized to violence?

This is not an isolated case. Films and OTT platforms are flooded with gritty action dramas, revenge thrillers, and extreme brutality—content easily accessible to impressionable youth. While some argue that cinema is a reflection of reality, we must also acknowledge its power to influence and shape young minds.

The Psychological Impact of Violent Media

Many studies have indicated that prolonged exposure to violent content can:

1️⃣ Desensitize Young Minds

• Frequent exposure to violence in films and series can numb the natural aversion to brutality, making violence seem normal.

2️⃣ Normalize Aggression

• Glorified fight sequences and revenge plots condition youth into believing that violence is an effective conflict resolution tool.

3️⃣ Erode Empathy

• Seeing violence without real-life consequences reduces emotional sensitivity, weakening compassion for victims.

The issue is not just about the existence of violent content but also the absence of proper safeguards and guidance for younger audiences.

Are We Protecting Our Children?

Many parents are unaware of the extent of graphic content their children consume. With films and OTT platforms easily accessible on smartphones and televisions, young minds are left exposed to explicit violence without filters.

Key Questions We Must Address:

✅ Are we ensuring responsible content consumption for children?
✅ Are there strong age verification and parental control systems in place?
✅ Are parents aware of how violent content impacts mental development?

If the answer to these questions is uncertain, we need immediate intervention.

What Can Be Done? A Call for Responsible Media Regulation

We do not need censorship, but we do need accountability. Here is what we, as a community, must demand:

🔴 Stricter Regulation:

• Implement clear guidelines for screening and streaming violent content, especially on OTT platforms.

🟢 Age-Appropriate Ratings & Controls:

• OTT platforms must enforce robust parental controls and mandatory age verification.

🔵 Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Educate parents about the mental health impact of excessive violence in media.

🟡 Content Review Committees:

• Establish dedicated review bodies to assess potentially harmful content and suggest reforms.

This is not about restricting creative freedom—it is about safeguarding the future of young minds.

Creating a Safer Media Environment for Future Generations

The Venjaramoodu incident is a wake-up call. We cannot afford complacency while violence becomes a celebrated norm in entertainment.

The responsibility lies with:
✔️ Filmmakers and OTT platforms—to produce content ethically.
✔️ Government and regulatory bodies—to enforce necessary content restrictions.
✔️ Parents and educators—to guide children towards responsible media consumption.

Let us create an environment where media inspires, educates, and uplifts—not one where violence and aggression become a dangerous normal.

📢 The time for action is now. Let’s prioritize responsible storytelling!

Conclusion

A stronger regulatory framework, better parental awareness, and responsible content creation can help ensure that our entertainment industry does not negatively impact society. The onus is on all of us—filmmakers, platforms, policymakers, and parents—to shape a more ethical and mindful media landscape.

Narayanan Akkarachittur
🌏 www.motivedomain.com