The lack of child zombies, particularly in franchises like The Walking Dead, is likely due to a combination of in-universe plausibility and real-world production considerations. Here's a breakdown:
In-Universe Explanations
Several factors within the zombie universe contribute to the scarcity of zombified children:
- Faster Decay: Children's bodies are generally smaller and contain less mass than adults. This could logically lead to a faster rate of decomposition.
- Easier Targets: Their smaller size and reduced physical strength would make children easier for survivors to dispatch, preventing them from becoming a significant threat for very long.
Production and Ethical Considerations
Beyond the narrative reasons, practical and ethical concerns also play a significant role:
- Child Labor Laws: Utilizing child actors for zombie roles can be problematic due to strict child labor laws, limiting the amount of time and type of work they can perform.
- Disturbing Content: Depicting violence against or involving children, even in a fictional zombie setting, can be highly controversial and emotionally disturbing for audiences. This can lead to negative publicity and potential censorship issues. The Walking Dead may avoid storylines with zombified children due to production complications and the sensitive nature of the subject matter.
Summary Table
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| In-Universe Plausibility | Children might decay more quickly and be easier for survivors to kill. |
| Production Complications | Child labor laws restrict the use of child actors in demanding roles. |
| Ethical Concerns | Depicting zombified children can be disturbing for audiences and raise ethical questions about the portrayal of violence against children. |
