Kabul Families Concerned Over Taliban Songs Influencing Children Toward Violence

Families in Kabul report that their children have shown changed attitudes after listening to songs produced by the Taliban. They say the children display increased curiosity about war-related topics and use terms such as 'suicide,' 'jihad,' and 'martyrdom' in play and daily conversations.

Noor Agha, a Kabul resident using a pseudonym, stated that his children began asking questions about jihad and whether killing leads to paradise, prompting him to take the songs more seriously. He warned that the Taliban are deliberately institutionalizing their ideology from a young age, even within families, through these songs easily accessible on social media and mobile phones. Noor Agha added, 'Hearing these songs is terrifying for the next generation and could lead society to moral collapse and the erosion of civil values.'

Ghaznfar, another Kabul resident, described the songs by Taliban-associated singers as promoters of violence, cautioning that widespread dissemination could turn children and youth into a generation with extremist and violent views. He said, 'The negative impacts are greater on children and adolescents, as they might take up arms. Unfortunately, with the Taliban's propaganda methods, Afghanistan's future could be discouraging.'

Families criticized Meta and YouTube for failing to remove the violent content despite regulations, noting the difficulty in monitoring access. They expressed concerns over the lack of awareness programs and stricter oversight on violent material.

Sociologist Rashid Seddiqi said the content has a negative impact, spreading deviation in society. 'From a sociological and psychological perspective, promoting violence, war, and suicide has victimized the people of Afghanistan and poses serious challenges. Youth may be drawn toward such behaviors,' he stated.

Political experts view the songs as propaganda tools that glorify violence, war, and martyrdom, directing youth toward extremism.