A Psychologist Explains Why Some Kid Shows Aren't Always Kid Friendly

Is your child's favorite TV show enhancing or hindering their development? Here's how to tell.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | May 24, 2024

When adults hear the term "kid-friendly" in regards to entertainment, a familiar image often springs to mind: vibrant colors, catchy tunes and straightforward narratives. It's a mental shorthand that reflects the surface elements that many people associate with children's entertainment. And, indeed, a significant portion of kids' shows fit snugly into this mold, delivering exactly what one might expect.

However, appearances can be deceiving. While these shows may possess all the hallmarks of child-centric programming, their actual impact on young viewers can vary. The notion of a show being "kid-friendly" extends much further beyond entertainment value than what parents might think. In reality, some seemingly innocuous shows may not only fail to benefit children, but could even pose potential risks to their well-being and functioning.

Here's why that is, which kids' shows are the main culprits, as well as a list of alternatives that parents can let their kids watch guilt-free.

What Makes A Kids' Show Unhealthy For Children?

While many parents are rightly vigilant about avoiding kids shows with overtly inappropriate content—such as violence, sexual innuendos or explicit language—there are other subtle, malignant influences within children's programming. These characteristics, often overlooked or underestimated, impact the developing minds of young viewers.

Beyond the obvious red flags, there are also implicit characteristics threaded into child-centric content to look out for—which hold the power to negatively impact cognition and behavior in ways that may not be immediately evident. The following two covert characteristics are most condemned by researchers of childhood development:

1. Pace

Fast-paced children's shows can, at surface level, seem very captivating for young audiences—with fun, rapid visuals and frenetic storytelling. However, studies show that even brief exposure to fast-paced programming can have detrimental effects on executive functioning—the mental processes responsible for planning, problem-solving and impulse control.

According to a 2011 study from the American Academy of Pediatrics, just nine minutes alone of exposure to fast-paced cartoons led to diminished executive functioning in preschool-aged children. The rapid succession of stimuli overwhelms the brain's capacity to process information effectively, resulting in decreased attention spans and difficulties with self-regulation.

Furthermore, the relentless pace of these shows may contribute to a need for instant gratification, where children expect constant stimulation and struggle to engage in activities that require sustained effort and concentration. So, while fast-paced children's television may offer short-lived entertainment, their potential long-term impacts raise some concerns.

2. Under- and overstimulation

There is a complex interplay of sensory input involved media consumption, which has been shown to shape children's brains in unforeseen ways. According to research from Dr. Susan R. Johnson—a behavioral and developmental pediatrician—watching television has been likened to multilevel sensory deprivation, where the passive consumption of audiovisual stimuli fails to engage the full spectrum of sensory experiences necessary for healthy brain development.

Shockingly, Johnson explains that prolonged lack of balanced stimulation of all senses can lead to a decrease in brain size, with a 20–30% reduction observed in children who lack tactile stimulation and meaningful human interaction.

On the other hand, however, the overstimulating nature of television—characterized by flashing, colored, fluorescent images and poor-quality sound reproduction—can overwhelm the sensory organs, leading to disruptions in their development and function.

The limited engagement of only two senses—paired with the overstimulation of hearing and sight—fails to provide the appropriate sensory experiences necessary for refining neural connections, nor essential cognitive skills. Thus, while kids' shows may offer a convenient source of entertainment, their impact on the developing brain is nowhere near worth the risks they pose.

Kids' Shows To Avoid And Kids' Shows That Are Safe

Given these concerning findings, there are several shows that parents may want to consider writing off from their children's viewing repertoire. While they might be popular favorites that seem harmless and educational at first glance, these are just two of many shows that pose both of the abovementioned risks:

• Cocomelon may be a beloved choice among children for its catchy songs and colorful animations, but its rapid pacing and total sensory overload might hamper attention spans and self-regulation. Given the detrimental effects of fast-paced programming on executive functioning, parents may want to consider unsubscribing to this popular YouTube channel for their children's sake.
• Ms. Rachel is another beloved show that kids may struggle to let go of, but that parents might want to think twice about. The high-energy antics and vibrant visuals of Ms. Rachel may be more overwhelming than educational, which can disrupt both sensory development and cognitive function. While entertainment value is important, the balance between a child's stimulation and development is more crucial.

The good news, however, is that there are many alternative kids' shows that offer a safe, soothing and even more enriching viewing experience for young audiences. These shows prioritize thoughtful storytelling, positive social messages and age-appropriate content that support cognitive, social and emotional development:

• Bluey has gained acclaim for its heartwarming portrayal of family life and its emphasis on imaginative play and problem-solving. Bluey features relaxed storytelling, relatable characters and gentle humor that resonate with both children and adults, which is great for a viewing experience that encourages family bonding. With its emphasis on creativity, emotional intelligence, and positive social interactions, Bluey is a standout choice for parents seeking wholesome and educational programming for their children.
• Puffin Rock offers a tranquil and visually relaxing viewing experience for young children, with its lush animation and soothing narration. Through gentle storytelling and educational themes, Puffin Rock introduces children to concepts such as friendship, curiosity, and environmental stewardship in a way that is both engaging and enriching. With its emphasis on nature, exploration and empathy, Puffin Rock is a welcome addition to any child's viewing lineup.

It's important to stay mindful of the fact that children's content is often designed to prioritize overstimulation and addiction. Appearance alone doesn't guarantee a show's suitability; just because they look kid friendly, it doesn't mean that their effects are. But, by staying informed and watching alongside your children, you can assess their impacts firsthand.

Update: I have reached out to the developers of Cocomelon and Ms. Rachel for their comments on these matters and am presently awaiting theirresponse.

Do you rely on addictive shows too much to distract your kids while you take breaks? Take the Parental Burnout Assessment to learn more.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here, and on PsychologyToday.com, here.