Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Women’s Commission has recommended that Malayalam TV serials undergo a pre-broadcast screening by a censorship board. The report suggests that mega serials should be banned and that episodes should be reduced to 20-30 minutes. It further suggests that only two serials should be aired per day on any channel and that re-runs should not be permitted.
The report also calls for the censoring of serials either by the existing film censor board or by setting up a special board dedicated to serials.
The findings are based on the opinions of 400 individuals aged 13-19 from the districts of Malappuram, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Among the respondents, 43% criticized the serials for sending the wrong messages, while 57% demanded changes in the themes of the serials.
The study also revealed that children often imitate the negative characters portrayed in serials. Women, who are typically central characters, are mostly shown in negative roles. Furthermore, the stories tend to lack realism, and such serials negatively impact families and children. The Commission conducted this study from 2017 to 2022, examining issues related to various sectors.
Other recommendations include incorporating short films, web series, and educational programs, regulating excessive use of social media by children, banning abusive language, enforcing stricter laws against the negative portrayal of women, and curbing the search for obscene content. If necessary, the report suggests creating new legislation and forming special committees to implement these measures. It also emphasizes the need for a complaints cell.
