How Can Comics Positively Impact Children?

For most of us, train journeys during childhood were incomplete without comics. But what if comic books were not just leisure reading but also pave the way for a more socially aware reader?

Comics bring stories to life. The reader not only reads the words but can also see the illustrations, expressions and learn to recognise the characteristics and emotions of the characters of the story. Comics now have become a super cool way to learn. The mix of entertainment and education makes it easy for the reader to explore tricky topics with loads of enthusiasm and curiosity.

We at Careers360 have listed four comic books that can make kids more environmentally and socially aware without getting bored.

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Menstrupedia

Menstrupedia has recently launched a series of kid-friendly comics. It is designed for both boys and girls in their pre-teens and ore who are in preschool. The comics are divided into three different series. These series of comics deal with topics that are often ignored. The first range focuses on girls’ puberty, helping them understand the changes their body goes through during menstruation. It addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of this important phase of growing up.

But puberty is not a milestone for girls alone, the book has a series educating boys as well. The second series"Gullu" is about a fictional character who is curious about growing up. His brother “Aman Bhaiya” helps him to discover the phases of puberty. This series is dedicated to helping boys navigate this transformative period in their lives. This also covers the many firsts of a boy’s life, like his first shave, and how to keep the private parts clean etc.

Kids even in their teens are very innocent. They want to be independent and often misunderstand the protective nature of parents as overbearing, but books like . Menstrupedia's comics cover essential topics such as understanding private zones of your body and distinguishing between good touch and bad touch. This lays the foundation for personal boundaries and safety.

Valli's Nilgiri Adventures

"Valli's Nilgiri Adventures" is a new addition to children's educational literature. The tone of this comic is more interactive than preachy. It takes the reader to the vibrant wildlife of the Nilgiris, located in the Western Ghats.

It tells the story of a group of schoolchildren on an excursion to the Mukurthi National Park. Its engaging storyline introduces the students to rare animals found in Nilgiri hills. The book also talks about the native tribe of Nilgiris - the Todas. The comic also mentions another native species—the Nilgiri Marten. This tribe is hidden from the main ecosystem of Nilgiris. The colourful illustrations further enhance the storytelling, making it visually engaging.

This makes the students aware of the flora and fauna in the tribe. This book also evokes a sense of responsibility to save the environment. The mention of the culture of the tribe makes a child inquisitive to know about the disappearing cultures of our country. This comic is part of World Wide Fund India's environmental education division. It strikes a balance between education and entertainment. This makes it a valuable resource for nurturing a love for nature and wildlife among children.

Project Mumbai

The comic book "Mumbai Gives," was launched by Project Mumbai. This comic has a collection of five series of stories.

The story on 'Smiling School' raises awareness about mental health awareness among students. It also introduces a helpline launched by Project Mumbai to help children facing mental health issues. This book is an affirmation to kids that it's okay to feel low and that they can ask for help when needed.

The comics also have a series on the noble process of organ donation titled ‘Organ Donation’. This series educates the children about organ donation. It aims to create awareness among kids about the significance of organ donation and it can benefit future generations.

The 'Jallosh' chapter sheds light on a program initiated by Project Mumbai to clean up and maintain beaches and water bodies in the city. It incultates the importance of keeping the environment clean among kids.

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In the 'Recyclothon' chapter of the comic, the role of volunteers in collaboration to collect and recycle plastic waste is discussed. The comics also cover a series titled “Children as Inspirations”.The chapter highlights how children can serve as sources of inspiration for adults. There are instances of kids inspiring others regarding organ donation and recognising the efforts of COVID-19 warriors.

Let's Move Forward

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched comics titled “Let's Move Forward” for the overall development of young children. The comic book covers various crucial aspects of adolescent life. For starters, it teaches children to be pleasant and friendly to others, which helps them in making friends and getting along with others. The book also discusses gender equality, so that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities and respect.

It introduces the child to the dangers of substance abuse to the child. The threats that come with the use of the internet and making an informed decision about it are also covered in the comic. The comics deal with changes in the bodies of adolescents and how they can be safe while growing up. Lastly, it informs kids about where they can seek help with their health.

Reading comic books can be like having a knowledgeable friend who guides children to be smart and kind while having fun.

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