Abstract :
The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of violent movies and cartoons on children’s behaviour and emotions from the perspectives of school heads. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 school heads from government and private primary schools in Layyah District, South Punjab, Pakistan. Data were analyzed thematically with the support of NVivo 12 software. Four main themes emerged: aggressive behaviour, drawbacks of cartoons, effects on academic achievement and peer relationships, and concerns about moral decline. The findings reveal that school heads observed significant negative influences of violent movies and cartoons on children’s attitudes, including aggression, disobedience, and reduced social harmony. Furthermore, participants also stressed the need for parental guidance and teacher involvement in monitoring and mediating children’s media consumption. This study contributes to understanding the behavioural and emotional consequences of violent movies and cartoons on children and highlights implications for educators, parents, and policymakers.