Can my child watch bigg boss?

Bigg Boss – the Indian television's controversy child has had a long journey - with successful TRPs. Bigg Boss's Season 11, with Salman Khan as the host, is currently gearing up to be on air. As the tabloids and your social feed try everything to hook you to the reality show, you might be wondering if it is in the interest of the child to watch the show. We bring to you a thorough and non-judgmental review of the reality show Bigg Boss, to help you – as parents- decide on whether it is safe for children to watch Bigg Boss 11.

What Is Bigg Boss Reality Show About?

The show films the travails and tribulations of participants from different walks of life who come to live together under one roof, with no contact with the outside world. Each week, two housemates are nominated for eviction. The common end goal is to avoid eviction until the end of the series. They are made to lodge for about 4 months in a lavish house, and work on 'tasks' to get their weekly supplies of food and some incentives. As the drama unfolds, and if you might have seen the show earlier, every episode is lined with huge bouts of abuses, humiliation, backbiting, scorn, outright violence, and even vulgarity and obscenity.

Is Bigg Boss Appropriate For My Child?

Well, we are talking about infidelity, violence, vulgarity, and excessive lying and backbiting. As parents, you and I make so many sacrifices to raise our children right – but I would doubt if I am being right if my child were to watch Bigg Boss, or worse, become it's fan!

Parentune Recommends – Bigg Boss Not Appropriate for Children Below 14

I personally know many parents who love watching the show. Since it is telecast at prime time, children do tend to watch or at least catch a glimpse of the show. Interestingly I also know an equal number of parents who find the show disturbing and non-entertaining and therefore, avoid it altogether.

What Parents Need to Know About Bigg Boss- Content And Language

As the show progresses, one sees contestants turning intolerant towards one another, and a sense of competition begins to take root. As housemates struggle to cope with the constantly changing dynamics within the house, they begin to exhibit not-so-positive behaviours and emotions, like-

1. Insecurity, intolerance, conniving against other contestants, jealousy, bad language, emotional distress, screaming, crying, trust issues, gossiping, indecency and violence
2. As weeks pass, human nature takes over civilized restraint and audiences watch participants, most of whom are celebrities, deal with almost constant conflict. Everyone is now competing to win the game and strategizing and conspiring to eliminate the others
3. There have been instances when due to public demand, a popular contestant is saved from eviction or is reinstated into the show, in spite of indulging in wrongful behaviour. The message that popularity overrides inappropriate conduct may not be a great example for a young child

Does The Program Display An Age Criterion At The Beginning?

Yes. The following message is displayed - "Viewer's discretion and parental guidance is recommended."

Are There Any Positive Influences?

Some housemates do manage to handle the pressure and remain calm through the series. Some have said that the experience helped them learn to survive in unfavourable situations, and be more tolerant of others. These may be positive takeaways for, perhaps, an older child (14 years and above). Unfortunately, the not-so-positive incidents that dictate most of the episodes grossly outnumber the positives.

Taking The Decision - Is Bigg Boss Relevant For My Child?

At times, one does get confused whether they can allow their child to watch a particular movie or TV show. Here is a set of 5 questions you could ask yourself, some thoughts that may help you in taking the decision.

Q. Can my child do without watching this show?

This is a question I ask myself often. Will my child gain anything by watching this show, or will he be better off doing something else?

Q. Is there any constructive takeaway he/she gets by watching the show?

Not every show is watched for educational reasons. TV viewing can also be pure entertainment for children. What one may want to consider is the kind of entertainment the child may be exposed to.

Q. My child is only 2 years old, will she really understand what's going on?

Children pick up vibes and can sense tension in the atmosphere. Research shows that an unpleasant environment can affect even babies. If a two year old can sense parent's conflict, domestic issues or mum's bad mood, she can understand the message coming through a powerful audio-visual medium.

Q. My teen daughter can differentiate between good and bad. What possible influence can a mere TV show have on her psyche?

As fear of eviction rises, housemates are seen losing their composure, indulging in diplomacy, taking sides and often succumbing to emotional histrionics.

Often, such extreme reactions are supposed to be rigged (fabricated) in order to increase the TRPs.

Additionally, celebrities are often role models for young children and teenagers. There is always a possibility that the children will emulate them without judging them. Look around and you will find that your teenager has various other alternatives for healthy entertainment.

Q. But I love this show!

Recently there have been times when I have been able to convey to my 12 year old that watching a particular show helps me unwind. So if he can give me half an hour to myself, it would be great.

With an older child such as a teenager, this may work. However with younger children, if the choice is between your child co-watching and you missing the show, one may simply have to miss the show.

You can catch the episode later on Youtube. Or if your digital TV account allows, you can record the show and watch it later when your child is away. Audio-visual media leaves a lasting impression on a child. It is perhaps best to exercise caution when deciding what your child can watch.