Have you ever caught a glimpse of a child completely mesmerised by a screen, their eyes wide with delight as they watch characters like Peppa Pig, Emma and Jenny, and countless others? It’s a scene we’re all too familiar with, kids sprawled out on the living room floor, giggling at colourful characters who speak in charming accents and engage in whimsical adventures. Just the other day, I walked into my niece’s living room, and there they were two little ones, utterly engrossed in a cartoon about a group of friends going on fun escapades, laughing and chatting in sweet, sing-song voices. It was hard not to smile as they imitated the characters’ funny antics and delightful accents. However, as I watched them interact, I couldn’t help but wonder, what impact are these shows really having on their behaviour?
Shows like Peppa Pig and Emma and Jenny are designed to entertain. They introduce children to friendship, problem
-solving, and family dynamics through captivating stories. The characters often speak in cute accents that add an extra layer of charm, making them irresistible to young viewers. Children adore these characters, not just for their playful adventures but also for how they speak and act. They imitate the high-pitched voices, quirky phrases, and, yes, even the catchy songs.
But, here’s where it gets tricky. While it’s adorable to see kids enthusiastically mimicking their favourite characters, this imitation can sometimes lead to unexpected behaviour. Children are impressionable and often mirror what they see on screen, both in their speech and in their actions. If a child watches a character throwing a tantrum to get their way, they may think that’s how to react when they’re frustrated. Suddenly, a playful exchange turns into a standoff with parents over something as simple as bedtime.
Take, for instance, a character like Jenny from another popular children’s show. She’s bubbly, confident, and always the centre of attention. Kids love her for her fun personality, but they might not understand that real-life interactions require patience and empathy. Instead, they may start expecting to always be the centre of attention, leading to frustration when things don’t go their way.
YouTube amplifies this effect even more. Children can binge-watch content that is far removed from the wholesome lessons of traditional cartoons. The rapid-fire pace of YouTube videos, combined with the flashy visuals and constant stimulation, can create a sense of impatience in young viewers. They start to expect immediate gratification in their interactions, mirroring the frenetic energy of their favourite online stars. If they see influencers effortlessly trying out the latest toys or showcasing their skills in a matter of minutes, they may become frustrated with the slower pace of real life.
Moreover, as kids soak in the content, they also absorb certain behaviours that can be less than ideal. For instance, if a character in a popular series uses sarcasm or speaks rudely to others, children may think it’s acceptable to adopt that tone in their daily interactions. This behaviour can lead to misunderstandings with peers, teachers, and family members, creating a cycle of frustration and conflict.
While these shows and platforms offer entertainment, they also pose challenges for parents who strive to teach their children values of respect, patience, and understanding. The allure of colourful characters and engaging storylines can sometimes overshadow the need for parents to step in and guide their children’s understanding of behaviour.
This isn’t to say that all screen time is bad, many children’s programmes are educational and can enhance learning. However, the challenge lies in finding a balance between screen time and real-life experiences. Engaging with children during their viewing time can create opportunities for meaningful conversations. Parents can ask questions about what the characters are doing, encouraging kids to think critically about the lessons being presented. For instance, if a character makes a mistake, parents can discuss what went wrong and how the character could have acted differently.
Additionally, encouraging children to participate in activities outside of screen time can help mitigate some of these effects. Whether it’s playing outdoors, engaging in creative projects, or spending quality time with family, these experiences help kids develop social skills and emotional intelligence in a healthy way.
While characters like Peppa Pig, Emma and Jenny, and the multitude of other animated figures and youtubers can be a source of joy and education for children, it’s essential for parents to remain vigilant. By actively participating in their children’s media consumption and promoting a balance between screen time and real-life interactions, we can help ensure that the lessons learned from cartoons contribute positively to their development.
Originally Published on Ceylon Today