London, Nov 2 Those who think that watching soap operas and reality TV shows is an easy way to kill time should now change their opinion, for such programmes act as "powerful educators" and make the world a better place, says an expert.

Popular shows like 'Coronation Street' and 'EastEnders' can stop people taking drugs and even cut birth rates.

And programmes like The X Factor have even encouraged viewers to vote in general elections.

Economist Charles Kenny, who studied the impact of TV across the world, said soaps were a "powerful educator".

He has claimed that storylines such as Heather Trott (actress Cheryl Fergison, 45) becoming a single mum in 'EastEnders' can help viewers understand real-life issues.

The study found that TV is so influential that in Brazil, birth rates and drug taking were cut thanks to clean-cut characters in the country's soaps.

Kenny also found that a Middle East version of The 'X Factor' made people learn the power of voting and increased turnout in general elections.

And when the first girl reached the final of an Afghan talent show, she was said to have done "more for women's rights than all the dollars spent on public service announcements".

"Soap operas and reality shows help solve real-world problems," The Daily Star quoted Kenny as saying. (ANI)