Ghost Stories and Their Harmful Impact on Children

General topic: Mysterious Phenomena

Narrowed-down topic: Telling ghost stories to children

Mode of writing: Argumentative

Thesis statement: 

Telling stories about ghosts that appear at night to prevent the children from leaving the house should be prohibited because of three reasons: forming them into cowardly individuals, limiting them from being productive at night, and causing unnecessary anxiety.

Outline:

I. Forming them into cowardly individuals

1. Developing a fear of ghost

2. Instilling irrational phobias

3. Hindering social confidence

II. Limiting them from being productive at night

1. Disrupting their focus

2. Hindering their activities

3. Reducing time for homework

III. Causing unnecessary anxiety

1. Increasing night time stress

2. Inducing sleep disturbances

3. Leading to chronic worry

Ghost Stories and Their Harmful Impact on Children

“Fear is the mind-killer”, said the science fiction writer, Frank Herbert. This insight highlights how fear can dominate and disrupt one’s mental state. Stories about ghosts that frighten children into staying indoors can have a profound negative impact on their development. Such tales often foster an irrational fear that can linger well into adulthood. Telling stories about ghosts that appear at night to prevent the children from leaving the house should be prohibited because of three reasons: forming them into cowardly individuals, limiting them from being productive at night, and causing unnecessary anxiety.

Firstly, ghost stories often transform children into cowardly individuals. By developing a fear of ghosts, these tales instill irrational phobias that can impair a child’s ability to confront their fears logically. One part of the brain that regulates thinking ability, Cerebrum, will store scary stories in the form of visual images and create excessive fear (Urry et al., 2021).  Over time, this fear can erode their social confidence, making them hesitant to engage in normal activities outside their home. This hesitation not only prevents them from exploring new experiences but also limits their ability to build resilience and self-assurance. When children become overly cautious or frightened, their interactions with others might also suffer. They may avoid playing with friends outdoors or participating in group activities because they are scared that these settings could expose them to the ghosts they dread. This social withdrawal can hinder their ability to form strong friendships, develop teamwork skills, and learn to trust others-al crucial aspects of healthy social development. Consequently, these children might grow up with a skewed perception of danger, finding it difficult to differentiate between real threats and imagined ones, which can have long-term effects on their mental well-being and social interactions. Instead of encouraging bravery, these stories foster unnecessary terror, leaving children feeling helpless and insecure. The long-term psychological effects might even extend into adulthood, where these individuals might struggle with anxiety or find it challenging to face the unknown. So, it can limit their opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Secondly, ghost stories can limit children’s productivity at night. Fear of ghosts disrupts their focus, making it challenging to concentrate on important tasks such as homework or personal projects. When children are preoccupied with fears, their ability to complete assignments efficiently diminishes, leading to less productive evenings. This reduced focus can also lead to procrastination as children avoid tasks altogether due to the anxiety caused by their fear. Moreover, the stress from these distractions might result in poor academic performance. The time wasted on avoiding work leads to unfinished tasks and last-minute rushes that compromise the quality of their studies. As this pattern continues, children might begin to associate nighttime with anxiety and fear rather than a peaceful period for rest or productivity. This could further hinder their ability to relax or focus during the evening hours, creating a cycle of avoidance and stress. Over time, this negative association with nighttime could even lead to a broader aversion to challenging tasks, as the fear-induced anxiety spills over into other areas of their lives. They might start to shy away from new challenges or opportunities that require effort, perpetuating a cycle of procrastination and diminished self-confidence. This can have a cascading effect on their academic performance and overall time management. This also can limit their potential for success not just in school, but in various aspects of their future lives. 

Lastly, ghost stories induce unnecessary anxiety in children. This anxiety often manifests as increased nighttime stress and sleep disturbances. Children who are anxious about ghosts may experience difficulty falling asleep or suffer from nightmares. It can lead to chronic worry and affect their well-being. Persistent sleep disturbances can have more severe consequences, such as fatigue, irritability, and even behavioral issues during the day. These disruptions not only impair a child’s emotional stability but also interfere with their cognitive development, making it harder for them to focus and learn effectively in school. The long-term impact of this anxiety can also lead to more significant mental health challenges, such as generalized anxiety disorder or chronic sleep disorders. It can affect a child’s ability to function normally in daily life. Moreover, the constant state of anxiety can erode a child’s sense of safety and security. It makes them feel vulnerable and stressed in environments that should be comforting, such as their own home. Such mental strain can interfere with their daily functioning and overall mental health. As they grow older, this anxiety might not only persist but also evolve, leading to phobias or heightened stress in situations where fear has no logical basis. This could inhibit their ability to explore comfortably with others, thus severely limiting their personal growth and social development.

In conclusion, ghost stories designed to scare children into staying indoors have more negative effects than benefits. They contribute to forming cowardly behaviors, hinder productivity during crucial evening hours, and cause undue anxiety. Thus, it is important to consider these harmful impacts and avoid using such fear-inducing tactics. By focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment, adults can help children develop into confident and resilient individuals who are equipped to face the world’s challenges without being hampered by irrational fears. So, do you still want to tell ghost stories to the children?

References

• Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., Orr, R. B., & Campbell, N. A. (2021). Campbell biology (Twelfth edition). Pearson.