COMMENTARY | “SpongeBob Squarepants” is a popular cartoon on Nickelodeon. Children of all ages seem to be drawn to this eccentric and hyper animated character. SpongeBob is entertaining to watch as he and his underwater buddies are humorous.
The Associated Press reports, however, that watching SpongeBob can lead to learning problems. According to a new U.S. study, fast-paced television shows such as “SpongeBob Squarepants” may have negative effects on children. The study states that our yellow underwater friend may harm children’s ability to pay attention, solve problems and moderate behavior. The research focused on 4-year-olds and favored shows such as “Caillou” and other slow-paced cartoons, as well as drawing, using building blocks and playing outdoors.
What will they be saying next? That watching SpongeBob causes ADHD. I, for one, won’t stop any of my children from watching SpongeBob. The study focused on 4-year-olds who watched nine minutes of “SpongeBob Squarepants.” I can tell you that my 4-year-old daughter watches much more than 9 minutes of SpongeBob. She watches him for a half hour to an hour at a time. I don’t feel that watching the show affects her negatively in any way, shape or form. It’s all about moderation, as with all things in life.
“SpongeBob Squarepants” has been going strong since 1999, so I doubt he will be exiting our televisions any time soon. SpongeBob fascinates children, and while it is important for children to learn, it is also important for them to be children and enjoy their youth. If watching SpongeBob is enjoyable to children, I say let them watch it. Parents should decide for themselves and determine whether or not the program is having a negative effect on their children.
Here are some positive things that have been said about SpongeBob: Film Insight states the following about SpongeBob’s character:
* “He is optimistic, to that point that is gets annoying!”
* “SpongeBob has a strong urge to help others.”
* “Any wrong that SpongeBob commits, will cause a huge bubble of guilt inside.”
* “SpongeBob is relentless, just ask Squidward.”
In April of 2010, the New York Daily News reported that a Long Island 12-year-old girl saved her best friend’s life due to a “SpongeBob” episode. This heroic girl saved her best friend by performing the Heimlich maneuver, which she learned by watching an episode of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” where SpongeBob saved Squidward as he choked on a clarinet.
Just as one can find negative things being said about SpongeBob, one can also find good qualities attributed to the yellow, porous star. What will you choose to believe? I choose to believe SpongeBob is a fun cartoon that my children will continue to watch.
Sources:
News Core, “Watching SpongeBob Can Lead to Learning Problems?”, News Core
Wayne Lockwood, “L.I. girl uses lessons from ‘SpongeBob Squarepants’ to save choking friend”, NY Daily News