Children’s television has been around for more than part of a century, with the first broadcasts taking place in 1945. Over the years, many children’s television shows have presented entertaining and educational content. This blog looks at the impact these shows have had on their viewers – both the lessons they imparted and the legacy they have left behind.
1. Introduction to Children’s TV
The power of children’s television programs can’t be underestimated, from the Hako Sushi world of Hayao Miyazaki to the more contemporary cartoons of Adventure Time. The stories and characters featured in these programs have long been used to teach fundamental values and lifes lessons to children, including the importance of loyalty, kindness, and friendship. However, with almost every episode of children’s television programs making its way into the public consciousness, it’s important to consider the implications of these shows and the influence they have.
- A Plethora of Ideologies: From religious beliefs to moral values, children’s television programs promote a variety of ideologies in a subtle, yet poignant, manner. Through catchy lyrics, memorable characters, and catchy plots, these cartoons are used to teach children complex ideas in an entertaining way.
- Secondhand Learning:It is not just the overt messages that children pick up from these programs. Learning is a complex process, and children can pick up educational cues from characters’ behavior, the structure of the plot, the language used, and even from the color scheme used.
- Challenging Standards:Children’s television programs also challenge the status quo, introducing kids to new ideas and giving them a safe place to ask questions about the world around them. By introducing them to different perspectives, children are able to enrich their understanding of the world and develop an open-minded outlook.
- Apps, Gaming, and Streaming:With the proliferation of technology, children are now exposed to the same content not only via television, but also via mobile apps, streaming services, and video games. With this ever-growing range of platforms, it’s important to consider how the digital world affects children’s understanding and consumption of media.
The influence of children’s television programs is undeniable, and as parents, teachers, and even designers, it’s important to consider the implications of these shows and the influence they have. By understanding the messages, values, and ideologies imparted by these programs, kids can grow up to be well-rounded, empathetic and informed adults.
2. The Positive Effects of Children’s TV
Quality Content
The quality of content available on TV for children can have a lasting effect. A well-crafted script with strong characters and ethical values can help to teach initiatives like problem-solving, creative thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. By providing children with appropriate material, networks and channels are creating a valuable learning environment.
Future of TV
As with other forms of media, the future of TV for kids lies in an ever-evolving landscape of content creation and distribution. Digital access to programs has removed geographic boundaries and increased the potential for stimulating content to be found. Additionally, combined with the wealth of other platforms like streaming services and educational websites, children can explore a richer, more diverse range of content while learning positive skills.
Balanced Programming
Another positive effect of children’s TV is that it can provide balance in today’s often chaotic and overwhelming programming. TV options for kids are vast and varied, with shows exhibiting themes of fantasy, adventure, action, exploration, comedy and more. This balance allows parents to choose appropriate programs that can enrich a young viewer’s followership.
Portable Entertainment
Finally, the convenience of watching TV makes it highly attractive to children and their families alike. Thanks to technology, kids can access their favorite programs from almost any device, making it easy to watch their preferred content anytime, anywhere. This portability for entertainment means young viewers are no longer bound to the traditional family room environment and are able to explore their favorite shows on their own terms.
3. Negative Aspects of Children’s TV
Children’s television has a far-reaching influence on our youth. While there are some potentially positive aspects associated with children’s programming, there are also some very real negative aspects to consider. Here are 3 of the primary negative aspects of children’s television:
- Excessive Screen Time: Too much passive screen time can lead to a number of physical and mental health problems. It is important for children to engage in physical activities, as well as social and creative endeavors.
- Pedagogical Challenges: Television does not always accurately represent different elements of the real world, or offer guidance on how to navigate it. Excessive, age-inappropriate television can lead to poor educational performance and long-term learning deficits.
- Stereotyping: Children can absorb harmful, outdated stereotypes from television. Shows with limited or unhealthy gender roles, racial and sexual identity stereotypes, and socioeconomic indicators can lead to misunderstandings about different groups of people.
These three examples illustrate just a few of the very real potential downside effects of children’s television. Careful vetting of content and responsible use of the forms of media can help limit the negative impacts on our kids.
4. Lasting Lessons Learnt From Children’s TV
Children’s television has had an undeniable influence throughout the years, and in many cases, the lessons that are learned from these formative years can shape a person’s entire life. From popular family-friendly shows to animations, children’s TV has the power to not only entertain but to teach powerful lessons. Here are some lasting morals and values that can be gathered from children’s TV:
- Be Kind: Many of these classic shows emphasize the importance of kindness and understanding. From being considerate to others to exhibiting empathy, these are lessons that the younger generations are learning early on.
- Stay courageous: Whether it’s a superhero that never gives up in the face of danger or a young kid in a seemingly impossible situation, courage is rewarded multiple times throughout popular children’s shows. This is teaching kids that fortitude and bravery always pays off.
- Be humble: Arrogance is never rewarded in most popular children’s shows. In fact, debt, humility, and an appreciation for the world and its people is celebrated much more. This shows children that they don’t need to do something for praise and recognition.
- Treasure friendship: Friendship is a recurring theme in children’s shows. The importance of having a trusted group or allies to rely on is a lesson that’s instilled in many of these beloved characters. This is a message that can carry on throughout life.
- Family always comes first: Many of the beloved characters featured in popular children’s shows come from close-knit families. This becomes part of their identity, and teaches the younger generation that family is and always should be the number one priority.
The legacy of children’s television shall prevail, as the values and lessons that are shared with young viewers are not easily forgotten. These are morals that will stay with them forever, ensuring that the influence of their favorite TV shows can still be felt long after they’ve watched their last episode.
5. Balancing Education and Entertainment
It is not uncommon for parents to be concerned about how much time their children spend in front of screens, especially with TV programs seemingly becoming louder, faster, and more animated. But the influence of children’s TV (beyond the obvious entertainment value) is significant. It contains elements of culture, education, and life lessons that remain resonant with viewers today.
Consciously or Subconsciously, TV Influences Beliefs and Behaviors
Even when parents are wary of the influence television is having, the underlying messages and stories presented often have a powerful and lasting effect. From an early age, children learn lessons about values, emotions, communication, and problem-solving that may shape their beliefs and attitudes in later life.
It is important to note that television does not exclusively teach children one way of living. TV may contain elements of realism that offer a neutral or even positive influence, while some aspects (like violence) tend to be more destructive.
- TV shows may explore difficult topics such as death, racism, and abuse in ways that may be difficult for parents to approach with their own children.
- It may also provide a space to learn about teamwork, responsibility, and achieving success.
- Children are able to relate to the characters in a program, identifying with their struggles and triumphs.
- Television, just like books and movies, has the power to bring far away cultures and lifestyles into the living rooms of many.
- This can even promote acceptance and understanding of various types of people from different backgrounds.
Finding a Balance
Of course, too much of anything isn’t good, and it’s important to maintain a balance between the entertainment-focused television viewing and educational activities. Some parents choose to keep television completely out of their home while others follow a more moderate approach by consciously selecting programs that would confer the most benefit to their children.
Approaches may vary, but it is up to parents to ensure that their children are exposed to programs that are age appropriate and that include positive messages and meaningful lessons.
6. Controlling Media Exposure in the Household
1. Limiting Screen Time
Parents can limit their children’s media exposure by controlling their access to technology and limiting their screen time. This is achievable by turning off TVs after a certain amount of time or setting a rule that none of the family’s devices can be used after a certain hour. Parents can also limit the types and content of media presented to their children by establishing age-appropriate guidelines and boundaries.
2. Program Selection and Television Ratings
When selecting appropriate media to be presented in the household, parents should also take note of television ratings. G and PG ratings generally indicate a program that is suitable for young children and children of all ages respectively, while shows rated MA or M are not suitable for viewing by children. However, due to the subjective nature of rating films and their age appropriateness, parents will still need to use their own judgement.
3. Only Watch Quality Content
Parents should also encourage their kids to watch programs of a certain standard. There are numerous educational and entertaining shows that still provide entertainment without exposing children to inappropriate content or graphic images. This can still help children learn and retain information in a fun and engaging way.
4. Take Time to Discuss
It is important for parents to take time to talk to their kids about the programs they are watching, as well as the content of those programs. This will help parents understand the shows their kids are watching, and also give them the opportunity to provide their own perspective and knowledge to help adjust their children’s views.
5. Enjoy Recreational Activities
Parents should also ensure their kids engage in other recreational activities outside of TV. This could include sports, outdoor activities, board games, family outings, activities with friends and hobbies. Allowing children to enjoy these activities not only helps limit their media exposure but also helps them develop their independence and social skills.
6. Celebrate Success
Finally, parents should also recognize what their children are learning and succeeding in due to their media exposure. Special praise, recognition, and allowances for reaching certain milestones can help keep interest for positive media in the household.
7. Conclusion: Understanding the Legacy of Children’s TV
Lessons from Children’s TV
We can take many lessons from Children’s television. The shows are designed to teach us many valuable things, such as compromise, collaboration and interpersonal relationships. From math concepts to problem-solving and coping techniques to creative expression, these shows have been invaluable in the development of our young minds. Each show has its own unique message and style, providing context and meaning to develop and reinforce important skills.
The legacy of Children’s television can also be seen in other areas of our lives. The themes explored in the shows are often echoed in the behavior of adults today, as well as the speeches and conversations that arise in everyday life. Even the images and catchphrases used in these shows have become part of our everyday communication language.
Understanding the Impact of Children’s TV
It is important to understand the influence that Children’s television has had on our society. Of course, these shows can be entertaining and provide us with relief from the stresses of day-to-day life. But they can also be valuable educational tools and help to shape our society’s values. For this reason, it is important to look critically at the messages that these shows convey and how they might be interpreted by our children.
It is also essential to remember that these shows are designed for a specific audience. That is why it is important to think before we expose our children to particular television channels and programs, and to ensure that the content is age-appropriate and suits our own family values.
By understanding the legacy of Children’s television, we can better appreciate the power of the medium and the messages contained in these shows. Through careful viewing and discussion, our children can get the most out of these programs, and will be well-equipped to face the modern world.
The lessons and legacy of children’s TV are certainly far-reaching – and not entirely negative. TV teaches children important values, lessons, and skills, and it can also foster and nurture their interests and creativity. Parents and guardians should make sure to provide children with age-appropriate viewing material, and to use it as a tool to help young people become engaged, active, and contributing members of society.
