A recent research by Sarah M. Coyne from Brigham Young University has jolted many parents and their belief that superhero figures will help their kids defend others and be nicer to their peers. The research claims an opposite effect on children.

“Too much exposure to superhero cartoons or their world teaches kids them some things that may become problematic in the future. The fact that superheros rarely face defeat.They win all the time, they have control over others and they control the environment, so when a kid is exposed to this, he will not learn to face failures and would like to control others, which is bullying. Children can’t differentiate between virtual and real. So, yes, there is a possibility,” says Deepali Batra, Senior Clinical Psychologist.

Researchers found that this age group is unable to pick up on the moral message in programmes and only comprehends aggressive themes. “Children are into an impressionable age. they will get influenced by the characteristics of their favourite superheros, who they want to emulate most of the time. But anything in moderation is okay, and will not have a negative impact. But over exposure in the form of TV, internet and merchandise can affect children,because they won’t understand the nuances around such superhero figures, they will only take away the violence from such programs,” says Kala Balasubramanian, a certified Counselling Psychologist/Psychotherapist, Inner dawn.

She adds, “We were also exposed to the Rama and Arjuna, as superhero figures who win over evil. But our exposure was limited, so it had less impact. And superhero sagas will always have an element of action and violence. And this can desensitise them,make violence seem normal. And not only that, research has also observed that kids don’t help their peers if they are getting bullied. So, it also affects their ability to empathise.”