KABUL (SW) – The use of toy guns among children for celebrations during special occasions such as Eid and New Year has evolved into a malicious custom concerning all.
It is customary in Afghanistan and many other regional countries for usually elders to pay cash to children on such special occasions as gift, but this money is increasingly ending up with vendors selling plastic toy guns to children to play war games. In a country such as Afghanistan reeling from raging deadly violence, such a practice only aggravates the situation further instead of promoting peace and harmony.
Psychologists believe the use of such violent toys among children leave lasting negative impacts on the minds of children.
Zolya Mirzaey, a Kabul-based psychologist, told Salam Watandar children are going through a learning phase in their lives, and during this period, playing with toy guns and fireworks eventually entice them towards violence in their lives later.
Meanwhile, many are blaming violent action movies and drama serial on television channels for spreading and promoting the culture of arms and rage.
When contacted, Firdaus Faramarz, spokesman for the Kabul police chief, told SW the Ministry of Interior has strictly prohibited the sale and use of toy guns and fireworks. He said at least 50 large packets of such items have been confiscated and more than 100 people have been taken into custody in this connection.
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