digital content
Digital Content For Children
Digital Content for children includes all forms of media accessed through digital devices, which includes such things like educational apps, interactive games, videos, and online resources. In the modern age, this plays a significant role in your child’s learning, the way they play, and their social interactions with other people.
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Children today are leaning more towards the usage of technology and media as a form of entertainment. There is a study that shows the good effects of the consumption of media by children. According to a study by Kostyrka-Allchorne et al (2017), while young children still prefer traditional television as their media platform of choice, touchscreen devices are becoming more and more common and may encourage simultaneous multi-screen use. Furthermore, parents think that media has a generally positive impact on developmental outcomes. Although, it is also important to keep an eye on the material that your children are being exposed to, on both traditional and new media.
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From a previously conducted interview we have done with a Board-Certified Psychologist, Dr. Jaime Gabriel, we have asked on why parents use digital media for their child, specifically, narrative based children shows. To quote the psychologist, “…the reason why they choose narrative-based TV shows is because of the convenience. I’m a parent too, I have a kid. During the pandemic, that was the best choice no, in the education setting, there’s objective, participation.” He then furthers explains that not all digital content are intelligent and are not filtered correctly. This is a point to make as you, the parent, are responsible for properly handling and monitoring what your child views when they use their digital devices.
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According to Child Rescue Coalition, regarding the safeguarding of young children online, they suggested to keep devices within shared spaces. This requires the children to use their digital media within the common areas of the household. This makes sure that you parents can keep an eye on your children’s activities as they scroll through and watch their media. Setting clear and established rules and communicating with your child is also essential, as it teaches your children at an early age, appropriate online behavior, with clear limits on what digital media they are viewing. This then leads to proper filtering, with you, the parent, having to control what content your child is viewing and is exposed to.
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To quote Tito Quiling from our own interview, whose profession is in Media Studies, “There is always risk when media grows, because from before, the options of people for media is limited. From before, it was the radio or comics, then it grows into television and films. Then today, there’s different digital content and different platforms. So there is a risk on which is the correct or proper kind of media that you will use to get your children exposed to.” This is the translated reply when he was asked if the current media of today is more dangerous compared from before. There are always risks when you present media to your children, but at the same time, so long as you, parents, are informed, you can avoid the dangers of getting your children exposed to problematic and non-age-appropriate digital media.
Kostyrka‐Allchorne, K., Cooper, N. R., & Simpson, A. (2017). Touchscreen generation: children's current media use, parental supervision methods and attitudes towards contemporary media. Acta Paediatrica, 106(4), 654-662.
Social Development In Animation
Developing social skills at an early age is an important thing for your child, especially with the help from not only you, the parents, but also the content that is suited for your child’s age. Both of these aspects could help teach your child complex social skills effectively at a young age. Past studies support that social skills acquired between preschool years show positive correlation with later growth, hence a need to fill such developmental gaps (Denham et al. 2012).
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With the correct age appropriate animation for your child, it can help teach them lessons such as compassion and communication, which would then help them in interacting and communicating with their peers. To quote, “delegate the co-viewing, even in narrative based, interaction is the best example of learning, simply cutting onions would really form their minds, it’s really their formative years.” Dr. Jaime Gabriel replied when asked on how he would advice parents to choose and moderate narrative-based children’s programs or media to support their child’s social skills. Dr. Gabriel also explained “… Narration itself will trigger creativity with the kids. That’s a positive effect. Then I would always recommend that the parent should supervise, 2-7 years of age, as it would hit their, minds are like sponges.” When asked about the effects of narrative based children shows have on the kids.
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According to a research conducted by Manoj Prithviraj (et al. 2024), the admiration of children toward cartoon characters enhances multiple aspects of their development which includes creativity, vocabulary, writing skills, language, and cognitive abilities. They have stated that imaginative play can help with the development of the child’s problem-solving skills. The cartoons introduce new words and expressions, expanding the vocabulary of young children by engaging with entertaining language content, which helps the children retain new words efficiently. Better vocabulary provides better communication, with the help from you, the parents, you children would understand with better context, which the children can use in order to communicate properly with their peers, helping them with their own social development.
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To quote from a Media Studies interview, “… Aspects of a story, and interpersonal skills of the child, I would say the biggest one, is having empathy. Narrative-based shows have a big effect, it’s a huge deal to first share, interact, and have a little respect for others. At the same time, there are children shows that have morals. Listening, empathy, articulation, with different stories.” Is what the translated reply to us when asked on how narrative-based children’s shows affects the children’s interpersonal skills. He then continues on with, “As an educator/researcher, and not as a parent… If the focus is on digital narrative-based media, go with what’s applicable, there’s a general way of parenting a child, child, then individualize their own child’s needs and exposure.”
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It is important to understand that in order to help your child nurture their social development while they grow older, as a parent, you must be there to help them learn and understand the lessons and values that they experience as they continue to consume narrative-based digital media.
Denham, S.A., Bassett, H.H. & Zinsser, K. Early Childhood Teachers as Socializers of Young Children’s Emotional Competence. Early Childhood Educ J 40, 137–143 (2012).
