Fast-Paced Cartoons Such as SpongeBob Can Delay Learning

According to research, young children that watch fast-paced shows that can be described as nonsensical such as SpongeBob Square Pants may actually have difficulty learning. A study was conducted involving 4-year olds who watched the show for a total of 9 minutes and then were tested. It was found that after watching the show for even that short period of time, the children were having a hard time behaving and were exhibiting learning problems. According to researchers, shows such as SpongeBob confuse children and disrupt their ability to learn and concentrate properly.

Slow-paced shows are proven to be better for young kids that are in the prime of learning. Lead researcher and psychology professor from the University of Virginia’s College of Arts and Sciences, Angeline Lillard, noted that children watching such fast-paced programming can actually adopt the unfocused and chaotic behaviors of the characters.

She believes that perhaps by watching something so fast-paced where the characters are moving constantly and quickly while doing things that generally make no sense in the real world can simply disrupt a child’s ability to focus afterwards. However, she said there is also a big possibility that children simply identify with the chaotic characters and then quickly and easily adopt their behaviors.

The researchers then compared the children’s behaviors after they watched a slower-paced show and compared them to fast-paced cartoon. This full study can be seen in the newest edition of Pediatrics Journal.

Children therefore watched 9 minutes of SpongeBob or Caillou and were then evaluated.

If was evident that children who had just watched 9 minutes of SpongeBob had issues behaving, paying attention, and solving simple problems or tasks.

Lillard noted that not only are young children learning new skills but they are also learning the proper way to behave so they are prepared for school. At school, children are expected to have the ability to sit quietly, eat properly, and be respectful, all of which is fueled by executive functions. If children are watching shows that have the ability to handicap these abilities to a certain degree, than we cannot therefore expect children to behave in a normal, proper manner throughout daily events.

Overall, television shows that have the potential to confuse young children could have the ability to impair their learning. By watching something so fast-paced that generally makes no logical sense, children can be negatively impacted in regards to their learning and behavioral abilities.

Researchers feel that shows such as SpongeBob are simply too fast moving and fantastical for young children with such developing brains. Researchers suggest parents try to engage children in other ways such as playing outside, building with blocks, playing board games, and drawing.

Reference:

Blanchard, K. RN. 2011. Study: SpongeBob and Similar Cartoons Can Confuse Young Brains.


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