People argue that phones are melting our brains or making our kids unintelligent. However, studies show that animated media is actually beneficial for child development for several different reasons. 

Animated media is a crucial tool for kids’ learning and development. It provides important thinking and communication skills that are stepping stones for children’s mental growth. Animated media and technology is constantly developing and becoming more popular. A lot of children are being exposed to this media through TV and films. 

Animated media is especially useful for younger ages/international/non native speakers as it helps communicate through visual examples. Students and kids can learn and retain information easier through visual lessons. For example, language vocabulary and speaking tools can be communicated through drawings and signature colors to aid the learning process. Taking it a step further, visuals in the form of a video provides sound effects and movement, making it easier for the learners to remember the information. “80% of families find it important for babies to watch television to learn colours, shapes, reading skills, numbers, music, science and nature.” says Çanakkale Onsekiz at Mart University 

Disney films, old and new all have valuable life lessons for kids and they each value family in some way or another. According to the University of Houston, older disney films focused more on romance, whereas newer disney films focus on friendships. As Disney films develop, they are becoming more emotionally realistic, showing character’s emotions that kids can relate to.  

Children’s exposure to technology and media is a controversial topic. The increase in screen time and exposure to kids, specifically under the age of two is becoming concerning. The amount of time spent on electronic devices is taking the place of spending time playing outside, time with friends, and time with family. “On average, children younger than 2 years watch televised programs 1 to 2 hours/day. Fourteen percent of children aged 6 to 23 months watch 2 or more hours/day of media.”  Says Texas pediatrician, MD, Ari Brown.TV is becoming a large and common part of children’s growing up and development. 

The type of media that children are consuming is important. If kids from young ages are watching violent movies rated for older individuals, they may be more inclined to be violent. “However if kids from a young age are watching Disney animated movies that value friendship and represent people, they may be more inclined to have more kind and understanding values,” says REUTERS.

According to Piaget J. Origins of Intelligence in Children, pediatrician Ari Brown says, “To be beneficial, children need to understand the content of programs and pay attention to it. Children older than 2 years and those younger than 2 years are at different levels of cognitive development and process information differently.” Studies have shown that screen exposure to children under the age of three can be both harmful and beneficial. When used in moderation and with the right mindset, animated media is a valuable and even vital tool for children’s development. 

Animated media and technology is constantly developing and becoming more popular. A lot of children are being exposed to this media through TV and films. The increase in screen time and exposure to kids under the age of two is becoming concerning. However with the right guidance, age group, and mindset, animated media is an extremely valuable tool for kids learning and development.