Bengaluru: Children should not be forced to work in movies and participate in reality shows because it's nothing but child labour, said Kannada film director P Sheshadri on Monday.
At the launch of Unicef's book, 'The Impressions --- Children's stories revisited' on child protection, the director said many parents make money by pushing their children into films and other shows against their will and this must to be stopped.
He spoke about how a talented lower middle-class boy got a chance in movies and became an overnight sensation. When the boy started showing signs of adolescence, his father, who didn't want to lose out on money, started injecting hormones to control growth. This took a toll on his physical and mental health, and soon he was out of the the industry, he added.
The book is a collection of perspectives by 41 personalities from diverse fields on child rights and protection. Jnanpith winner Chandrashekhara Kambara, former Isro chairman UR Rao, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy, cricketer Rahul Dravid and sportsperson Ashwini Nachappa are among the writers.
"There should be at least one-hour story telling sessions in primary schools for children. Child protection should not be restricted to non-domestic spheres because in many cases, abusers are known persons or family members," said Kambara.
The novelist also expressed concern over prevailing practices of child marriage, prostitution and child labour.
"We are trying to do our best with a team of anganwadi workers. Children are shown animated movies to create awareness. Once in a week, there are hourlong storytelling sessions. We are also seeking support from corporates under their social responsibility scheme and CRY to make the lives of these children better," said BM Vijayshankar, director, department of women and child development.