Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around PBS programs like Sesame Street—their bubbly, optimistic vibes, the well-crafted and heartfelt stories, and the conscientious handling of serious topics and themes. Through my viewing adventures with Elmo and the gang, I aspired to embody the warmth and kindness that each of the characters exuded. Countless educational children’s programs from PBS push the same ideals of compassion, critical thinking, and all-around beneficial education. According to a study by researchers Melissa Kearney and Phillip Levine, those exposed to Sesame Street from a young age saw positive long-term effects, from greater outcomes in early education to eventual improved relative test scores.
Those of us with younger relatives or who have worked with young children in the past have undoubtedly noticed the effects of internet culture overtaking the younger generation. Colloquially classified as “iPad kids,” generation Alpha taps away at their devices almost anywhere. At dinner tables, during family gatherings and car rides, these screen-centric children discover themselves through brainless mobile games and YouTube channels instead of the uplifting and developmental programming of decades passed. Annie E. Casey Foundation, a group focused on the betterment of family life in America, posted an article listing some concerning details about Gen Alpha screen access. It states, “Gen Alpha kids are becoming proficient with handheld technology at younger ages than previous generations, with 40% having a tablet by age 2, 58% having one by age 4 and almost one in four kids having a personal cell phone by age 8”. Early access to tablets not only acts as a gateway for dangerously high screen usage, but also allows for young kids to discover bypasses and workarounds for restricted or detrimental content at a much younger age. Furthering these concerns, the article references a disturbingly high 64% of 8-12 year olds using Tiktok or YouTube every single day. Additionally, roughly half of all 0-8 year olds own either a tablet or cell phone, using the device for sleep or emotional regulation.
Rather than assist children emotionally by distracting them with vibrant and flashy images or nonsensical yet addictive sound bites, educational TV programs regulate the emotions of children by helping them to understand their emotions at an early age. I recall some of my favorite TV shows as a little kid from Blue’s Clues, and most of them had to do with compassion or at least involved it to an extent. Furthermore, these shows tackled extreme emotions like frustration or grief with so much care. In one episode of Sesame Street, Elmo and his friend learn about how to deal with the loss of a loved one. In today’s YouTube focused landscape, I wouldn’t expect a child to go out of their way to research such important subjects—they don’t yet realize its importance.
In 2013, Hanna Rosin of The Atlantic observed, “Not that long ago, there was only the television, which theoretically could be kept in the parents’ bedroom or locked behind a cabinet” (“The Touch Screen Generation”). While I don’t agree with her entire evaluation of technology’s place in children’s lives, I certainly agree with the sentiment that it has changed the home dynamics. Parents can no longer glance at the TV to see what media their child is consuming. The child now determines for themselves what they want to watch, and oftentimes, what YouTube pushes does not offer the same substance as the aforementioned programs.I don’t believe that there’s anything wrong with growing up with an iPad instead of a television set. Simply put, the content pushed at kids online and through big video streaming platforms don’t hold a candle to the early educational value and moral-driven content of Sesame Street or similar shows. The artistry, soul, and meaning are all lost in the content aimed at young kids in this new digital age. It may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but the future generations could use an Elmo over a “Cocomelon” character right about now.