Cartoons and the Child's Psyche: Is There Really an Impact?

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GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT! This popular idiom refers the concept that input equals output. Whether it be a business venture, a technological programming, or a personal health regimen, the results will equal the input. The same is true of human attitude and behavior, especially in reference to impressionable young children. In order to understand how outside factors (such as animated TV shows) affect a child, one must first understand the stages of development in a human’s life. For those in the preschool stages, brain development is largely at play. Internal and external factors contribute to a child’s psyche. The specific effects of cartoons on a preschooler depends on the content of the cartoon and the amount of time spent watching the program. Most researchers and educators concur that if little time is spent watching animated videos and more time is spent in real-life play and human interaction, the effects are minimal. However, with a few exceptions relating to educational videos, there are multiple negative effects on a child’s psyche when numerous hours are spent watching animated television shows. Children can be affect emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally in a negative manner. Does this mean that young children should not be allowed to watch cartoons? Absolutely not, although some say otherwise. What it does mean is that parents should care enough and take initiative and invest time in their children. Never should the television be allowed to babysit. Parents should sit down with their kids and watch cartoons with them, then discuss what they have viewed. They should also analyze the content and be very picky about what their child is allowed to watch.