When the Spotlight Hurts: KBC, Defamation, and the Ethics of Using Children for TRPs
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I am not going to use the photo of the child in the topic, but here is my take on this. Being a mother and a media person who knows exactly how these programs work, here is my opinion, unedited and unfiltered.
In a world where every moment can be clipped, captioned, and shared, even a child’s innocent remark can become fuel for public outrage. The recent Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) controversy, involving a 10-year-old contestant, is a case in point. What was meant to be a fun, inspiring moment of curiosity turned into a nationwide debate — and unfortunately, a digital trial of a child.
The Viral Storm
During his appearance, he confidently told host Amitabh Bachchan that he already knew the rules and didn’t need multiple-choice options. Within hours, social media was flooded with comments calling him “rude,” “overconfident,” and “arrogant.” Worse, people began to bash his parents, dissecting their parenting based on a few edited seconds of footage. He lost, but was it punishment for arrogance? Was he hasty or overconfident or just too excited like any other 10-year-old kid?
But here’s the uncomfortable truth — none of us were in that studio. We saw a carefully edited clip crafted for television, a format that thrives on reactions, drama, and, yes, TRPs.
So before we point fingers, we must ask: Was this a fair portrayal? Or a calculated move to generate views for a show struggling to stay relevant? No offense to Mr Amitabh Bachchan I have high regard for you, but this could have been avoided.
Defamation and Responsibility
Let’s talk law and ethics, a class I slept through in college, but it is very relevant in today's day and age of the digital world.
If the show’s editing or production choices distorted how the child behaved — by exaggerating tone, removing context, or framing him as “disrespectful” — it can be argued as defamation or misrepresentation.
Television has immense power to shape public opinion, and when that power is used carelessly, it can destroy reputations — even of a child who cannot defend himself. How many people can he go and tell, "It was not like that, trust me."
If I were a parent in such a case, I would consider legal recourse. Not for fame or money, but for accountability. For ensuring that media houses don’t treat children as pawns in the pursuit of ratings.
A Case for Empathy
We also forget another crucial aspect — what if the child is neurodivergent?
What if his confidence, speech, or expressions come from a different cognitive wiring — autism, ADHD, or just personality quirks?
Labeling him without understanding is not just unkind — it’s ignorant. Children, especially in such high-pressure settings, may express themselves differently. It is our duty as adults to look beyond tone and see intention.
Public shaming can leave deep emotional scars. And when thousands of strangers attack a child’s character online, the damage is not momentary — it can last a lifetime. The psychological damage to that child or the parents can be quite dangerous.
He may never want to face the world or talk again.
He may never want to go to school again.
He may never have another friend again.
He may never regain the confidence he once had.
I he could go out and say, "What is all this fuss about? I just lost a game?" Since children are innocent, too. He is too young to know probably know Mr. Bachchan. He may be having other heroes he likes. Who are we to judge?
The TRP Trap
Let’s not be naïve. Television is a Big Bad Business, and controversy sells. Today, controversy sells more. Another thing we learnt in media college, "A dog bites a man," is not news, but "A man bites a dog" will be breaking news.
A clip that sparks debate automatically boosts viewership, ad engagement, and social media impressions. A moment of “sass” from a child becomes the perfect viral snippet. You will now want to watch the entire episode and see what happens, but that, too, is edited.
Contests and Participants sign an NDC - A Non-Disclosure Clause is a confidentiality section in a contract that legally binds the parties involved not to share or misuse sensitive information they receive during a business, professional, or personal arrangement.
It can be part of a larger contract (like an employment or partnership agreement) or a standalone Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). To protect trade secrets, strategies, or intellectual property.
To ensure that private discussions or collaborations stay confidential.
But at what cost?
When we allow children to be edited into entertainment, we strip them of their innocence and dignity. We must ask — are TRPs worth a child’s emotional safety?
Where Do We Draw the Line?
Children under 13 are still developing self-awareness, resilience, and social understanding. Putting them on national television without robust protection mechanisms is ethically questionable.
Broadcasters must ensure:
Clear safeguards for minors.
Transparent editing and consent processes.
A post-show counseling and debriefing system for child participants.
A commitment to contextual fairness — not sensationalism.
If the parents have used their child as a pawn and got money for this, then they are in the wrong, too.
The negative implications can be quite lifelong.
Parents, too, need to stay vigilant. Read contracts, understand what footage can be used, and most importantly, prepare your child for the possibility of public reaction.
Final Thoughts
In the pursuit of ratings, KBC may have forgotten the essence of storytelling — to inspire, not to exploit.
Children are not props. They are not emotional bait for social media engagement.
Before we join the chorus of judgment, let’s pause. Let’s remember that behind every viral clip is a child — someone’s son or daughter — who may be hurt by our careless words.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on this in the comments.
And if the price of “entertainment” is a 10-year-old’s peace of mind, then maybe it’s time to change the channel.
By Sandhya Lal
Wellness & Communications Coach | Founder, Boss Your Mind | Parental Coach DEEP
Building happier families and mindful media consumption, one story at a time.
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